Shaft Joint Assembly Using Deformable Hub Locking Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint systems for connecting rotating shafts of different diameters or types are difficult to manufacture and assemble efficiently, leading to increased production and assembly times, costs, and potential damage to shafts due to corrosion and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A joint system comprising two hubs and a connecting element with end portions that deform upon screw insertion, allowing the connecting element to rotate integrally with the hubs, thus accommodating shafts of varying diameters without requiring specialized hubs or adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ready-made joints with identical standard hubs are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the joints cannot connect shafts of different diameters or types
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into modular components: standard hubs, connecting elements, and separate adapter rings. This segmentation allows the adapter rings to be independently selected and attached to accommodate different shaft diameters while keeping the main joint structure standardized and reusable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapter rings are used between the hub and shaft, then different shaft diameters can be connected, but corrosion due to friction may cause undesired welding and compromise reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant or protective coating is introduced as an intermediary substance between the adapter ring and the shaft surfaces. This intermediary layer reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and friction, preventing corrosion and undesired welding while maintaining the adaptive connection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If special joints are made upon request for different shaft configurations, then adaptability is improved, but production time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Adapter rings with different diameters are pre-manufactured and kept in stock as standardized components. When a joint needs to connect shafts of different diameters, the appropriate adapter ring is already available and can be quickly attached without requiring custom manufacturing, thus maintaining high production efficiency while achieving adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hubs with holes of different diameters are created, then different shaft sizes can be accommodated, but the integrity of the connecting element and welds may be compromised during modification
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptation function is separated from the main hub structure by using detachable adapter rings. This prevents any modification work on the hubs themselves, preserving the integrity of the connecting element and welds while still allowing different shaft diameters to be accommodated through the interchangeable adapters.
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 joint system allows for efficient assembly and disassembly without damaging the shafts, reduces production and assembly costs, and provides reliable transmission of motion under torsional stress, making it versatile for connecting shafts of different sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
The insertion of the screw-shaped element into the threaded hole causes a deformation of the respective end portion of the connecting element towards the countering element, until the end portion contacts the countering element, so as to make the connecting element rotate integrally to the hubs
Implementation Method 2
a joint provided with a couple of hubs joined by a typically flexible and/or elastically deformable connecting element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A transmission joint (100) for transmitting motion between two rotating shafts is described, comprising two hubs (10, 20) and at least one connecting element (30) between the two hubs (10, 20), said connecting element (30) comprising a body (32) and two end portions (31) protruding from said body (32) and arranged opposite one another with respect to said body (32), wherein each of said two hubs (10, 20) comprises at least one circumferential seat (50) facing said connecting element (30) and adapted for accommodating one of said end portions (31) of said connecting element (30) therein, wherein each of said hubs (10, 20) comprises at least one threaded hole (41), a recess (54) formed in said circumferential seat (50) and arranged at said threaded hole (41), said joint (100) comprising a screw-shaped element (60) couplable to said threaded hole (41) so that the insertion of said screw-shaped element (60) into said threaded hole (41) causes a deformation of said end portion (31) inside said recess (54), so as to make said connecting element (30) rotate integrally to said hubs (10, 20).