Rotary Shaver Flexible Shaft Connection Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Angled rotary shavers with polymeric flexible portions face challenges in disassembly due to high frictional forces and potential failure at the juncture between rigid and flexible components, especially when using high-strength materials like PEEK, requiring an improved connection system for secure attachment and easy removal of the inner drive assembly from the outer housing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible shaft connection device with an interference fit and collar-groove configuration that facilitates torque transmission and axial strength, allowing for the use of high-strength polymeric materials like PEEK, and includes features such as collars, grooves, and axial ribs to enhance the connection between the rigid distal tip and flexible transmission shaft, ensuring secure attachment and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-strength polymeric materials like PEEK are used for the flexible portion, then the strength and rigidity of the connection is improved, but the frictional forces during disassembly increase and the risk of failure at the juncture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into distinct functional zones: a proximal rigid portion, a flexible polymeric portion, and a distal rigid portion. Each segment has optimized properties for its specific function, allowing the flexible portion to transmit torque while the rigid portions provide structural stability and facilitate disassembly through reduced diameter sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the inner drive assembly have different material properties and geometric characteristics. The flexible portion uses high-strength polymeric material for torque transmission, while the proximal and distal portions use rigid material for structural support and easy removal. The reduced diameter sections are strategically placed at the proximal end to facilitate disassembly from the outer housing.
2Strength
If the inner drive assembly is made with rigid components, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to pass through angled outer housing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible transmission shaft is constructed from a polymeric material that provides both flexibility and strength. This flexible component allows the inner drive assembly to navigate and pass through angled outer housing configurations while maintaining structural integrity through its elastic properties and interference fit connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner drive assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: rigid materials (such as metal or rigid polymer) for the proximal and distal portions provide structural strength and cutting functionality, while a flexible polymeric material connects these sections, enabling the assembly to adapt to angled housing geometries without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the distal portion diameter is reduced for easy withdrawal, then the ease of removal is improved, but the torque transmission capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible transmission shaft is segmented into regions with different diameters: a reduced diameter proximal section for easy withdrawal from the outer housing, and a larger diameter distal section for effective torque transmission to the cutting edges. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the flexible transmission shaft have different geometric properties. The proximal section has a reduced diameter to facilitate easy removal from the outer housing during disassembly, while the distal section has a larger diameter to provide sufficient torque transmission capability to the cutting edges at the distal tip.
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 improved connection system enables the transmission of larger forces and prevents failure during rigorous applications, allowing for more effective use of angled shavers without compromising the structural integrity of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible transmission shaft extending between the rigid drive member and the rigid distal tip
Implementation Method 2
high frictional forces between the flexible portion of the inner drive assembly and the curved portion of the outer housing
Data Source
AI summary
An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.