Splined Coupling Assembly for Misalignment and Axial Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control surface actuation systems face challenges in accommodating small angular misalignment and sustaining higher axial loading due to wing bending, while effectively transmitting torque.
Innovation Solution
A splined coupling assembly 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 reduces relative axial movement and efficiently transfers torque by meshing splines and distributing axial loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drive system is designed to accommodate small angular misalignment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splined coupling allows dynamic adjustment to accommodate angular misalignment between the drive shaft and transmission. The spline teeth engage with clearance that permits small angular deviations while maintaining torque transfer, enabling the system to adapt to misalignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Strength
If the drive system sustains higher axial loading, then the strength is improved, but the stress or pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial load is distributed across multiple spline teeth rather than concentrated at a single point. The segmented engagement of several spline pairs shares the axial stress, allowing the drive system to sustain higher axial loading due to wing bending without excessive stress on any individual spline tooth.
3Power
If torque is effectively transmitted through meshing splines, then the power transfer is improved, but the friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer ring serves as an intermediary component that maintains proper spacing and alignment between the drive shaft and transmission. This intermediary element ensures optimal meshing of the spline teeth, facilitating efficient torque transfer while minimizing excessive friction through proper geometric relationship maintenance.
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 and restricts axial movement, ensuring reliable operation under varying loads and misalignment conditions, thereby improving the performance of flight control surface actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of splines of the transfer housing are configured to mesh with the plurality of splines of the transfer gear
Implementation Method 2
a shear ring located in a shear ring groove in the tubular portion
Data Source
AI summary
A splined coupling assembly includes: a transfer gear having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of splines at the first end. The splined coupling assembly also includes a transfer housing having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a tubular portion located at the second side. The tubular portion includes a plurality of splines. The plurality of splines of the transfer housing are configured to mesh with the plurality of splines of the transfer gear. The splined coupling assembly further includes a shear ring located in a shear ring groove in the tubular portion- and a retainer configured to retain the shear ring within the shear ring grove.