Sleeve-Ring Coupling Assembly With Low-Force Positive Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial applications require high-performance couplings that are compact, reliable, economical to manufacture, and easy to service, but existing clutches fall short in these aspects due to complex assembly processes and high assembly forces.
Innovation Solution
A clutch design featuring a disk pack with lamellar bores and a form-fitting connection between a bushing and a ring, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with low forces, using a resilient socket that deforms to create a secure, yet easily detachable connection, and optionally incorporating a metallic or plastic material for strength and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a press fit connection is used between the bushing and the ring, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly forces required are high and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two distinct mechanisms: a press fit portion for radial securing and a separate positive locking portion for axial retention. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function optimally without requiring excessive assembly force for both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive locking portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that reduces the overall assembly force requirement by providing an additional retention mechanism that engages after the press fit, thereby distributing the securing function across two stages rather than requiring one high-force operation.
2Reliability
If a press fit connection is used between the bushing and the ring, then the connection is secure, but disassembly is difficult and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is divided into two distinct mechanisms: a press fit portion for radial securing and a separate positive locking portion for axial retention. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function optimally without requiring excessive assembly force for both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive locking portion is designed to be easily released during disassembly, allowing for quick recovery of components without damaging the press fit portion, thereby facilitating maintenance while preserving the reliable connection for the next assembly cycle.
3Reliability
If complex assembly tools are used to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positive locking portion is designed to engage automatically during the assembly process through the action force applied to the ring, eliminating the need for separate locking operations or specialized tools. The structure itself performs the securing function through its geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex tools to create a secure press fit connection, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple press fit combined with a self-engaging positive locking mechanism that secures the connection through its own geometric configuration rather than external tooling.
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 solution enables quick and cost-effective manufacturing, reduced maintenance downtime, and increased ease of repair, as the form-fitting connection simplifies assembly and disassembly, while maintaining mechanical strength and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the bushing has a shape that is resilient to an assembly force, meaning it is essentially elastic and deformable, thus creating a positive fit with the ring
Implementation Method 2
A frictional connection can exist, for example, between an inner surface of the ring and an outer surface in the end region of the bushing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling (10) comprising a plurality of plates (32) forming a plate pack (30). Plate bores (34) are formed in the plates (32) and are aligned with at least one mounting opening (36). According to the invention, a bushing (40) is received in the at least one mounting opening (36), which can be positively connected to a ring (42) in at least a first end region (44). The invention also relates to a method (100) for manufacturing such a coupling (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a shaft arrangement (58) with a first and a second shaft (65, 66) which are torque-transmittingly connected to a corresponding coupling (10). Likewise, the invention relates to an industrial application (60) that has such a shaft arrangement (58) and to a wind turbine (80) that has a corresponding coupling (10).