Slotted Hollow-Shaft Coupling for Jam-Free Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for torque-transmitting systems are prone to errors and require disassembly for assembly, which complicates the process and may lead to unwanted jamming or reduced torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a one-piece slotted clamping ring made of aluminum, a slotted hollow drive end, and a compensating sleeve, allowing for a non-positive, rotationally fixed connection between the drive end and output shaft, enabling a torsionally rigid and secure clamping without disassembly, using a clamping screw to reduce the axial bore diameter and ensure proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling device is designed to be assembled by disassembling parts, then the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the coupling device can be manufactured and tested separately
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into a housing and a shaft assembly that can be manufactured separately but assembled as a complete unit through a simple coupling operation, resolving the contradiction between separate manufacturing and quick assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete functional unit during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and reducing assembly time to a simple coupling operation
2Reliability
If a positive connection is used between the drive end and output shaft, then torque transmission is secure, but jamming may occur and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces positive mechanical connection (keys, splines) with a friction-based force-locking connection achieved through controlled interference fit and clamping force, eliminating jamming risks while maintaining torque transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters are optimized by controlling the interference fit magnitude and clamping force to achieve reliable torque transmission without excessive friction that would cause jamming, balancing reliability and ease of assembly
3Reliability
If the coupling device is pre-assembled and tested as a complete unit, then functionality is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into manufacturable components (housing, shaft assembly) that are assembled into a complete unit through a single coupling operation, maintaining pre-assembly benefits while minimizing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and shaft assembly are merged into a single coupled unit through a simple operation, allowing the entire drive train to be tested as one integrated system without complex assembly procedures
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 allows for a reliable, secure, and high-torque transmission without disassembling the coupling device, simplifying assembly and ensuring the system is tested and functional as a pre-assembled unit, while avoiding jamming risks and maintaining torsional rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping ring has a one-piece slotted ring whose free ends can be brought closer together by means of the clamping screw
Implementation Method 2
the drive end is designed as a slotted hollow shaft with an axial bore and is designed to be connected in a force-locking manner, in particular exclusively in a force-locking manner, to the output shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (3) for torque-transmitting coupling of a torque-supplying drive device (4), in particular a drive motor, which has an output shaft (7), to a gearbox, in particular a cycloidal gearbox, wherein the coupling device (3) has a coupling device housing (11) for torque-supporting connection of a gearbox torque support element, in particular a gearbox housing, of the gearbox with a drive torque support element of the drive device (4), in particular a drive housing, as well as a transmission shaft (15) rotatably mounted within the coupling device housing (11) with a drive end (20) which is designed and intended to be rotationally fixed to an end section of an output shaft (7) of a torque-supplying drive device (4).The coupling device (3) is characterized in that the entire coupling device (3) can be coupled to a torque-supplying drive device (4) as a fully assembled and functional unit without having to dismantle any parts of the coupling device (3).The coupling device (3) is further characterized in that the drive end (20) is designed as a slotted hollow shaft with an axial bore (33) and is designed to be connected to the output shaft (7) of a torque-supplying drive device (4) by friction, in particular exclusively by friction, and that a clamping ring (21) with a tangentially extending clamping screw is arranged on the drive end (20), by means of which the diameter of the axial bore (33) can be reduced, wherein the clamping ring (21) has a one-piece slotted ring, the free ends of which can be brought close together by means of the clamping screw and which is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and/or consists predominantly of aluminum.