Shaft-Hub Coupling with Angular Play for Compact Bidirectional Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft-hub connection systems for bidirectional torque transmission have complex structures, high production costs, and a significant risk of manufacturing defects due to the need for multiple components and complex assembly methods, as well as increased transverse space occupation as torque increases.
Innovation Solution
A shaft-hub connection system with angular play that uses a single functional assembly with a slot and elastic compression means to alternately assume positions for free rotation and torque transmission in both directions, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly, while allowing for increased torque transmission in the same space or reduced space occupation for equal torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple groups of tabs and abutment seats are used for bidirectional torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple tabs and abutment seats into a single coupling element with multiple engagement positions. Instead of having separate tabs for each torque transmission direction, one coupling element can engage with different abutment seats (first abutment seat for one direction, second abutment seat for opposite direction) to achieve bidirectional torque transmission, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can engage with different abutment seats to transmit torque in different directions, and it can also be positioned in a neutral zone where it does not engage with any abutment seat, allowing free relative rotation between the drive shaft and driven shaft. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Power
If multiple groups of tabs and abutment seats are used for bidirectional torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and defect risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple engagement features into a single coupling element, the patent reduces the number of mating surfaces and alignment requirements. Instead of ensuring precise alignment between multiple tab groups and their corresponding abutment seats, the design requires only that the single coupling element can sequentially engage with different abutment seats, significantly reducing cumulative manufacturing tolerance requirements and defect risk.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connection systems are used, then angular play is limited, but transverse space occupation increases as torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the angular dimension around the rotational axis to provide multiple engagement positions for the coupling element. Instead of increasing transverse space with larger radial dimensions, the design places abutment seats at different angular positions (first abutment seat at one angular position, second abutment seat at another angular position), allowing the coupling element to engage at different orientations while maintaining compact transverse dimensions.
4Power
If multiple groups of tabs are used for bidirectional torque transmission, then torque transmission in both directions is achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tab functions into a single coupling element that can engage with different abutment seats. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate tabs and their corresponding abutment seats, dramatically reducing the number of parts to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed with segmented engagement capability, where different portions of the coupling element can engage with different abutment seats depending on the direction of torque. This segmentation within a single component allows bidirectional torque transmission while maintaining component simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces component count, simplifies assembly, lowers production costs, and minimizes manufacturing defects, while enabling efficient bidirectional torque transmission with reduced transverse space occupation, making it suitable for universal transmission assemblies in farming machines.
Implementation Method 1
elastic compression means interposed between said slot and said coupling element for the movement of said element from the first position to the second or third position
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft-hub connection system with angular play for bidirectional transmission of driving torque, comprising a shaft, a hub provided with a hole inside which the shaft is accommodated, and elements for connection which are interposed between the hub and said shaft. The connection elements comprise at least one functional assembly which comprises a slot in which a corresponding coupling element is accommodated so that it can move and is adapted to assume alternately a first position, in which it is retracted within the slot, a second position, in which it protrudes partially with respect to it along a first orientation, and a third position, in which it protrudes partially with respect to it along a second orientation, elastic compression elements interposed between the slot and the coupling element, a first seat and a second seat for the abutment of the coupling element.