Splined Coupling Assembly for Torque Transfer and Axial Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control surface actuation systems face challenges in efficiently transferring torque while accommodating small angular misalignment and sustaining higher axial loading due to wing bending, which current drive systems are not adequately designed to handle.
Innovation Solution
A splined coupling assembly is introduced, comprising a transfer gear and a transfer housing with internal and external splines, a shear ring, and a retainer to secure the shear ring, which effectively transfers torque and restricts axial movement between the gear and housing, ensuring efficient torque transfer and axial load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drive system is designed to accommodate small angular misalignment, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into modular components including a splined coupling assembly with separate transfer gear, transfer housing, shear ring, and retainer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while accommodating angular misalignment through the splined interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined coupling design changes the geometric parameters of the spline teeth and their engagement configuration to accommodate angular misalignment. The specific spline geometry and engagement depth are optimized to allow small angular deviations while maintaining torque transfer capability.
2Strength
If the drive system is designed to sustain higher axial loading, then the strength of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A shear ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer gear and transfer housing to specifically handle axial loading. This intermediary element absorbs and distributes axial forces, protecting the main drive components while maintaining structural integrity under high axial loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear ring is designed with specific material properties that combine high strength to withstand axial loads while maintaining compatibility with the surrounding metal components. The composite structure of the coupling assembly integrates different material characteristics to optimize both strength and flexibility.
3Strength
If a shear ring is added to manage axial loads, then the strength of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear ring functionality is merged with the existing splined coupling structure rather than being a completely separate assembly. The shear ring integrates with the transfer gear and housing interfaces, combining axial load management with the existing torque transfer mechanism in a unified component design.
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 splined coupling assembly enhances torque transfer efficiency and reduces relative axial movement, effectively managing axial loads caused by wing bending, thereby improving the performance of flight control surface actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a shear ring located in a shear ring groove in the tubular portion
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of splines of the transfer housing are configured to mesh with the plurality of splines of the transfer gear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A splined coupling assembly is provided. The splined coupling assembly comprising: a transfer gear (130) having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of splines at the first end; and a transfer housing (110) having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a tubular portion (115) located at the second side, the tubular portion (115) comprising: a plurality of splines, wherein the plurality of splines of the transfer housing (110) are configured to mesh with the plurality of splines of the transfer gear (130); a shear ring (160) located in a shear ring groove (118) in the tubular portion (115); and a retainer (190) configured to retain the shear ring (160) within the shear ring groove (118).