Slotted Hollow Shaft Coupling for Balanced High-Torque Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections for shafts, particularly on the fast-rotating side of planetary gears, lack balance and high connection torque with minimal mass, and require complex manufacturing steps.
Innovation Solution
A connection featuring a rotationally symmetrical ring part and screw part that shrinks onto a hollow shaft with a slotted area, providing a non-positive connection and balanced design, allowing for high torque with minimal mass and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a clamping ring connection is used on the fast-rotating side of a planetary gear, then high connection torque can be achieved, but the connection becomes unbalanced and requires complex manufacturing steps for balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the screw part and its associated balancing features (counterweights, balancing holes, or offset masses) in specific asymmetric locations on the ring part. This asymmetric arrangement allows the screw part to press on a flattened area of the hollow shaft to generate high connection torque, while simultaneously providing counterbalancing elements that offset the unbalance caused by the asymmetric screw part geometry, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high torque and maintaining balance without complex manufacturing steps
2Force
If a non-positive connection is produced using a ring part, then high connection torque can be achieved, but a large amount of mass is required which complicates balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and geometric parameters of the ring part. Specifically, the ring part is designed with a flattened area on its inner circumference that allows it to be pressed by the screw part, creating a shrinking effect that generates high connection torque. This change in geometric parameter (the flattened area) enables the ring part to achieve high torque transmission with reduced mass compared to traditional solid clamping rings, as the flattening creates a mechanical advantage that amplifies the clamping force
3Stability of the object's composition
If the radial width of the annular part varies with circumferential angle to achieve balance, then balancing can be improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying asymmetry in a controlled manner through discrete balancing features rather than varying the radial width continuously. The ring part includes specific asymmetric elements such as counterweights, balancing holes, or offset masses positioned at predetermined locations opposite to the screw part. This approach achieves the necessary balance by compensating for the asymmetric mass distribution of the screw part, while maintaining constant radial width that simplifies manufacturing compared to variable width designs
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 connection achieves balance and high torque with reduced mass, simplifying manufacturing and ensuring well-defined contact conditions, while allowing for efficient clamping on the rapidly rotating side of planetary gears.
Implementation Method 1
the screw part presses on a flattened area of the hollow shaft... the hollow shaft can be shrunk onto the shaft inserted into the hollow shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling comprising a shaft inserted at least partially into a hollow shaft and a ring slipped onto the hollow shaft, in particular a clamping ring, wherein the ring is axially delimited by a collar formed on the shaft, in particular a radially protruding collar, and/or the ring abuts a collar or the shaft collar, in particular a collar formed on the shaft, in particular a radially protruding collar, the hollow shaft having slits spaced apart from the collar, in particular axial slits, the ring comprising a chamfer, in particular on its inner face and/or at its annular opening and/or in particular in its axial end region facing the collar, such that the inner diameter of the ring in the axial region covered by the chamfer is greater than the inner diameter in the axial region in which the ring contacts the hollow shaft, and the ring comprises a threaded hole that extends radially through the ring, and into which a screw is screwed, in particular a setscrew and/or a grub screw, which presses against the hollow shaft.