Rigid Shaft Coupling With Quick-Release Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for mechanical shaft parts are inefficient in allowing quick connection and disconnection, particularly in emergency situations, as they often require time-consuming screwing and lack rapid release mechanisms, posing safety risks during faults like fires.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a locking mechanism featuring displaceable blocking elements and sliding locking bolts, which can be actuated to quickly transition between blocking and release positions, enabling rapid separation and connection without interfering with torque transmission, and can be remotely controlled for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolt connections are used to fasten connecting shafts, then the connection can withstand high loads and is generally low-risk, but the setup process becomes more time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connecting device with locking mechanism and shaft parts. The locking mechanism includes multiple independent locking elements that can be individually engaged, allowing the connection to be established in segments rather than requiring complete bolting of all fasteners simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned on the connecting device, ready to engage with the shaft parts. The first connecting section is designed with a positive connection feature that automatically engages with the counter section when brought together, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual bolting procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional bolt connections are used, then the connection is secure, but quick separation of test specimens is not possible in the event of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable locking elements that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. A release element can actuate all locking elements simultaneously to move from the locking position to the release position, enabling rapid disconnection when needed while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements serve as intermediaries between the connecting device and shaft parts. These elements can be independently actuated to either secure the connection or allow quick release, providing a mediating mechanism that balances connection security with ease of separation.
3Power
If a positive-locking connection is established by means of keys or connecting bolts, then torque transmission is enabled, but the connection is not easily detachable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system separates the torque transmission function (first connecting section with positive locking) from the locking/securing function (locking mechanism with movable elements). This segmentation allows the torque transmission interface to remain simple and detachable while the locking mechanism provides easy on/off control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements act as intermediaries that control the engagement state of the positive-locking connection. When locked, they secure the torque-transmitting interface; when released, they allow easy detachment without compromising the torque transmission capability when connected.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A connecting device (4) for the connection of mechanical shaft parts (2, 3), having a first connector section (6) for connection to a first shaft part (2), and a second connector section (10) for connection to a second shaft part (3), wherein the first connector section (6) can be connected in a positively locking manner to a mating section (7) of the first shaft part (2) for the transmission of torque, wherein a locking mechanism (12) which is preferably functionally independent of the transmission of torque is provided on the connecting device (4), said locking mechanism (12) having at least one displaceable blocking element (13), for example a ball (14), which can be transferred between a release position, in which the first connector section (6) can be released from the mating section (7), and a blocking position, in which a release of the mating section (7) from the first connector section (6) is prevented in a positively locking manner by way of the blocking element (13), wherein the locking mechanism (12) has at least one displaceable locking bolt (19) which, in a fixing position, secures the blocking element (13) in the blocking position and, in a release position, permits a transfer of the blocking element (13) into the release position, and which is preferably connected to an annular actuating element (23).