Flexible Sleeve Coupling Tooth Support for High Torque Misalignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible sleeve couplings face issues with torque transmission during high torque or shock loading, where deformation of teeth can lead to interruption or complete failure, and increasing stiffness to handle higher torque loads compromises misalignment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of stiffening caps with dowels attached to the flexible sleeve at both ends, which support the teeth and prevent excessive deformation, allowing for higher torque transmission without increasing torsional rigidity, thereby maintaining misalignment flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the stiffness of the elastomeric material is increased to withstand higher torque loads, then the torque capacity is improved, but the sleeve's flexing ability decreases, reducing the coupling's ability to withstand misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidmisalignment accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific regions of the flexible sleeve stiffer (the tooth regions where dowels are inserted) while keeping the rest of the sleeve material soft and flexible. This localized stiffening supports the teeth during high torque loads without compromising the overall flexing ability of the coupling to accommodate misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the soft elastomeric sleeve material with harder dowel elements (such as metal or rigid polymer dowels) inserted into the tooth regions. This composite approach allows the coupling to simultaneously exhibit both flexibility for misalignment and localized stiffness for torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If the stiffness of the elastomeric material is increased to carry higher torque loads, then the torque transmission capability is improved, but the coupling's ability to flex and accommodate misalignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidflexing ability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific regions of the flexible sleeve stiffer (the tooth regions where dowels are inserted) while keeping the rest of the sleeve material soft and flexible. This localized stiffening supports the teeth during high torque loads without compromising the overall flexing ability of the coupling to accommodate misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the soft elastomeric sleeve material with harder dowel elements (such as metal or rigid polymer dowels) inserted into the tooth regions. This composite approach allows the coupling to simultaneously exhibit both flexibility for misalignment and localized stiffness for torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If larger couplings are used to handle high torque loads, then the torque capacity is improved, but the device size increases, preventing downsizing opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidcoupling size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific regions of the flexible sleeve stiffer (the tooth regions where dowels are inserted) while keeping the rest of the sleeve material soft and flexible. This localized stiffening supports the teeth during high torque loads without compromising the overall flexing ability of the coupling to accommodate misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the soft elastomeric sleeve material with harder dowel elements (such as metal or rigid polymer dowels) inserted into the tooth regions. This composite approach allows the coupling to simultaneously exhibit both flexibility for misalignment and localized stiffness for torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This solution significantly increases the torque capacity of flexible couplings while maintaining their ability to handle misalignment, potentially allowing for downsizing and cost savings, with minimal impact on torsional stiffness and no adverse effects on equipment life.

Implementation Method 1

the teeth along the outer and inner diameter of the sleeve element deform and roll underneath the opposing teeth of the connected hubs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first stiffening cap attached to the first end of the flexible sleeve between the flexible sleeve and the engagement portion of one of the two hubs, and a second stiffening cap attached to the second end of the flexible sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentUS12066064B2Flexible sleeve coupling radial tooth support cap and method

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 DODGE IND INC

AI summary

A system and method for increasing a tooth shear strength without also increasing a torsional rigidity of a flexible sleeve disposed between two hubs of a flexible coupling for transmitting mechanical motion between two shafts includes attaching a stiffening caps to both ends of a flexible sleeve, between the flexible sleeve and the hubs.