Slotted Shaft-Impeller Coupling for Jerk-Resistant Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for interconnecting impellers and drive shafts in pumps, such as key-way joints and tubular sockets, face challenges with durability and slip during sudden jerks, especially in polluted liquids, leading to wear and loss of rotational motion transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular wall featuring slits that create finger-shaped segments deflectable in the circumferential direction, increasing frictional force between elements, and an adjustable design allowing for better alignment and wear compensation without requiring element redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a key and key-way joint is used to interconnect elements, then rigid connection is achieved, but it is difficult to release elements and adjust axial location
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular wall is segmented into finger-shaped sections through slits, creating a structure that maintains rigidity for torque transmission while allowing controlled deflection. This segmentation enables the connection to be released by overcoming the elastic deflection of segments, facilitating easier disassembly compared to permanent key-way joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger-shaped segments act as flexible elements that provide rigid torque transmission during normal operation but can be deflected to release the connection. This flexible-rigid duality allows both strong connection and easy disassembly/adjustment.
2Reliability
If the tubular wall is made rigid to ensure stable connection, then rotational motion transmission is reliable, but it cannot accommodate sudden jerks without causing slip and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The finger-shaped segments are designed with controlled flexibility, allowing them to deflect dynamically during sudden jerks while maintaining continuous contact. This dynamic response prevents slip and wear, extending the durability of the connection while ensuring reliable rotational motion transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable finger segments act as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and absorbs sudden torque variations and jerks. By allowing controlled deflection before damage occurs, the structure protects against slip and wear, enhancing durability under transient loads.
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
Enhances durability and maintains effective rotational motion transmission even under sudden jerks, with adjustable features ensuring optimal performance and easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
by means of friction the socket will transmit a rotational motion from the drive shaft to the impeller
Implementation Method 2
the at least one finger shaped segment is deflectable in the circumferential direction in relation to neighboring parts of said tubular wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
In a fist aspect the invention relates to a device for interconnecting a first element (2) and a second element (1) to each other in order to transmit a rotational motion. The device (3) comprises a tubular wall (4) having a circular inner surface, a part of which that is adjacent to said first end being arranged to abut said first element (2), and having a circular outer surface, a part of which that is adjacent to said first end being arranged to abut said second element (1). Furthermore, said tubular wall (4) comprises at least one pair of slits (18), which slits (18) are adjacent to each other and extends from said first end towards said second end, obtaining a finger shaped segment (19), which is deflectable in relation to neighboring parts of said tubular wall (4). The invention also relates to a pump comprising such a device (3).