Shaft-Hub Coupling With Angular Play Using Spring-Loaded Seats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft-hub connection systems for bidirectional torque transmission are complex, costly, and prone to manufacturing defects due to the need for multiple components and increased transverse space occupation as torque increases.

Innovation Solution

A simplified shaft-hub connection system with angular play using a single functional assembly comprising a slot, coupling element, and elastic compression means that alternately assumes positions for free rotation and bidirectional torque transmission, reducing the number of components and transverse space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single group of tabs and abutment seats is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting torque in both rotational directions and providing angular play. The tabs can engage with abutment seats in different orientations depending on rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate tab groups for each direction while maintaining bidirectional torque transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple tab groups into a single unified group. The tabs are designed with specific geometries and the abutment seats are configured to receive these tabs at different angles, combining what would have been separate torque transmission mechanisms into one integrated system that reduces component count and assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tabs and abutment seats are designed with asymmetric geometries that guide engagement in specific directions. The asymmetric shape ensures proper alignment and reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances by providing self-aligning features that accommodate minor variations in assembly precision while maintaining reliable torque transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Power

If connection system components are increased for bidirectional torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but transverse space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransverse space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single group of tabs and abutment seats is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting torque in both rotational directions and providing angular play. The tabs can engage with abutment seats in different orientations depending on rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate tab groups for each direction while maintaining bidirectional torque transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element is nested within the hub structure, with tabs positioned to engage abutment seats that are integrated into the hub's internal geometry. This nesting arrangement allows the torque transmission components to be compactly arranged within the existing structural envelope, minimizing additional transverse space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 production costs, simplifies assembly, and allows for increased torque transmission in a reduced space, while maintaining ease of use and effectiveness in universal transmission assemblies.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3908762B1Shaft-hub connection system with angular play for the bidirectional transmission of driving torque
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 COMER IND
  • EP3908762B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3908762B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3908762B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A shaft-hub connection system (1) with angular play for the bidirectional transmission of driving torque, comprising a shaft (2), a hub (4) provided with a hole (5) inside which the shaft (2), and means (6) for connection with predefined angular play which are interposed between the hub (4) and said shaft (2). The connection means (6) comprise at least one functional assembly (7) which comprises a slot (8) in which a corresponding coupling element (9) is accommodated so that it can move and is adapted to assume alternately a first position, in which it is retracted within the slot (8), 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 means (10) interposed between the slot (8) and the coupling element (9) for the movement of the element from the first position to the second or third position, a first seat and a second seat (11, 12) for the abutment of the coupling element (9), respectively in the second and third positions which are associated inside the hole (5) of the hub (4) and are angularly offset about the main axis (A). In the first position the coupling element (9) is completely accommodated within the slot (8) in order to maintain the configuration for free relative rotation, while in the second or third position the coupling element (9) protrudes partially from the slot in order to engage respectively the first seat (11) in the first active configuration or in the second seat (12) in the second active configuration.