Static Torque Coupling for Shaft Alignment Under Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Misalignment between driving and driven shafts in rotating equipment, particularly in tall assemblies, due to torsional load-induced deflection, which is difficult to manage with flexible couplings and becomes costly to address with increased stiffness.

Innovation Solution

Applying a static torque load through stationary shafts connected to support units to counteract the applied torque, allowing for alignment restoration under load while maintaining axial freedom before startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the structure is stiffened to limit deflection, then shaft alignment is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft alignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A preliminary counter-torque is applied to the stationary shafts before the driver operates. This counter-torque pre-deflects the stationary shafts in the opposite direction of the expected operational deflection, so that when the driver applies torque, the shafts remain aligned. This eliminates the need for expensive structural stiffening while maintaining proper shaft alignment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational state of the stationary shafts by applying a preliminary torque that alters their initial position. This parameter change (pre-deflection) compensates for the expected operational deflection, allowing the use of more economical, less stiff structures while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If flexible coupling is used to accommodate misalignment, then ease of assembly is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates in tall assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcoupling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary shafts are pre-positioned and pre-loaded with counter-torque during assembly, establishing the correct alignment before the driver operates. This preliminary action ensures that when the system operates, the shafts remain aligned without requiring complex flexible couplings, thereby maintaining both ease of assembly and coupling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If shafts are constrained rigidly to prevent misalignment, then alignment stability is improved, but ability to accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stationary shafts are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deflect under load. A preliminary counter-torque is applied to pre-position these flexible shafts, creating a dynamic system that can accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining alignment stability during operation through the balanced torque forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach effectively minimizes shaft misalignment during operation by applying a torque opposite to the driver torque, reducing the need for excessive structural stiffening and associated costs, particularly in high-power and torque applications.

Implementation Method 1

The stationary driver shaft and the stationary driven shaft are arranged below the rotating shaft coupling. The stationary driver shaft is coupled to the stationary driven unit shaft and configured to provide a static torque load to counteract the rotational torque applied from the driving shaft to the driven shaft during operation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS11428270B2Rotating equipment having static torque coupling between driver and driven

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Rotating equipment includes driver equipment, driven equipment and a rotating shaft coupling. The driver equipment includes a driver support connected to a stationary driver shaft, and also includes a driver arranged on the driver support with a driving shaft to rotate and provide a rotational torque. The driven equipment includes a driven unit support connected to a stationary driven unit shaft, and also includes a driven unit arranged on the driven unit support with a driven shaft to respond to the rotational torque and rotate. The rotating shaft coupling couples the driving shaft to the driven shaft and applies the rotational torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft. The stationary driver shaft couples to the stationary driven unit shaft to provide a static torque load to counteract the rotational torque applied from the driving shaft to the driven shaft during operation.