Spindle Sleeve Load Transfer for Inner Shaft Axial Force Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal directional drilling, the potential for misalignment between inner and outer pipe sections can cause axial force to be unintentionally transmitted to the inner drive shaft, potentially damaging the gearbox bearings.
Innovation Solution
The spindle assembly transfers the axial load from the inner drive rod to the outer member, which then transmits it to the outer drive shaft, thereby distributing the load to larger gearbox bearings that can withstand such forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial force is transmitted through the inner drive shaft during misalignment, then the inner member can be connected to the gearbox, but the gearbox bearings may be damaged due to excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the inner drive shaft and the outer member. It is joined to the inner drive shaft in sliding, torque-transmitting engagement, allowing it to accept axial forces from the inner member and redirect them to the outer member through pins, thereby protecting the gearbox bearings from excessive axial loads while maintaining torque transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The axial force transmission path is extracted from the inner drive shaft by introducing the hollow sleeve and pins. The pins are disposed through the outer member and configured to transmit axial force from the hollow sleeve to the outer member, effectively removing the harmful axial load from the inner drive shaft and gearbox bearing system
2Power
If the hollow sleeve is joined to the inner drive shaft in sliding engagement, then torque can be transmitted, but axial movement may occur causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve is designed with dynamic characteristics, being joined to the inner drive shaft in sliding, torque-transmitting engagement. This sliding connection allows the sleeve to move axially relative to the drive shaft, accommodating misalignment and absorbing axial movements while maintaining torque transmission through the sliding interface
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 effectively redirects axial forces away from the inner drive shaft and gearbox bearings, preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow sleeve is joined to the drive rod and partially surrounding the drive shaft in a torque-transmitting relationship
Implementation Method 2
The at least one pin is disposed through the outer member and transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one pin is configured to transmit axial force from the hollow sleeve to the outer member
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle with a mechanism for transferring axial force from an inner drive assembly to an outer drive assembly. The spindle's inner drive shaft is connected to an inner member of a dual-rod pipe by a drive rod having a sliding sleeve. The sleeve is fixed rotationally with the drive shaft, but not axially. When axial force drives the drive rod toward the drive member of the spindle, the sleeve contacts a stop member which is paired to the outer drive assembly. The stop member may be a pair of dowel pins. Axial force is thereby transferred from the inner member to the outer member, allowing such forces to be absorbed by the outer member's larger drive components.