Split Collar Shaft Attachment to Prevent Keyway Slop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching gears, pulleys, and similar devices to shafts using keyways or setscrews often lead to issues like loosening, noise, metal fatigue, and high repair costs due to 'slop' and difficulty in application and removal, especially in cramped spaces.
Innovation Solution
A rotating attachment device with a central hub and removable semicircular collar held by threaded fasteners, which creates a friction fit with the shaft and keyway to securely attach rotating elements like gears or pulleys, preventing unwanted motion and slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If keyways and keys or setscrews are used to attach rotating elements to shafts, then the attachment method is simple and widely applicable, but the connection becomes loose over time generating slop and play
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with adjustable positioning features that allow it to be dynamically secured at different locations along the shaft. The set screws can be tightened against the shaft surface or against the key, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This dynamic positioning prevents the connection from becoming loose over time while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
2Device complexity
If conventional keyways and keys are used, then the attachment is simple to implement, but repair costs are high when devices fail
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct components: the collar (which can be removed and replaced), the set screws (which can be tightened or replaced), and the key (which remains in the shaft). When wear or damage occurs, only the collar or set screws need to be replaced, not the entire rotating element or shaft assembly. This segmentation dramatically reduces repair costs while maintaining simple implementation.
3Ease of operation
If setscrews are used to secure rotating elements, then the attachment method is easy to apply, but the setscrews become loose generating noise and metal fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the set screws and the shaft/rotating element. The set screws secure the collar to the shaft, and the collar in turn secures the rotating element. This intermediary structure distributes the clamping force more evenly and prevents direct contact between the set screw points and the rotating element, reducing noise and metal fatigue while maintaining ease of application.
4Ease of manufacture
If keyways and keys are used for attachment, then the mechanical connection is straightforward, but the devices are difficult to apply and remove in cramped locations
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with axial movement capability, allowing it to be easily slid onto the shaft and rotating element assembly from the end. The set screws provide dynamic securing that can be tightened with simple rotational motion. This dynamic design allows installation and removal in cramped locations where space is limited, while maintaining straightforward mechanical connection.
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 provides a secure, long-lasting attachment that remains structurally sound at various speeds and torques, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing repair costs, while being easy to apply and remove.
Implementation Method 1
The contact area may produce a friction fit and results in the rotating element being affixed to the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The removable collar may be held in place to the continuous base by a plurality of threaded fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device is split collar that surrounds a conventional keyway or setscrews. The split collar arrangement is equipped with either two or four bolts (one or two per side) depending on the overall size of the invention. In the case of use on a keyway, one half of the invention has a groove to hold the keyway in position. As the bolts of the invention are tightened down, the keyway becomes locked in place.