Threaded Sleeve Connection Mechanism for Earth-Working Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw connections in earth-working machines, such as those used in horizontal drilling, are prone to failure due to their weak points at the threaded regions, leading to a short useful life and difficulty in rapid detachment and attachment under severe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism that separates force transmission by using a sleeve with a thread for pulling and pressing forces and an interlocking element for torque transmission, allowing for easy exchange of the interlocking element and increased stability through a clear separation of forces, enabling the use of simple and conventional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screw connections are used to connect rod sections, then manufacturing costs are low and automatic formation is possible, but the connection has short useful life due to weak points at threaded regions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a thread connection element for axial force transmission and an interlocking element for torque transmission. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the interlocking element bearing the torque loads that would otherwise stress the thread connection, thereby extending the useful life of the overall connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking element acts as an intermediary that transfers torque between the rod sections without involving the thread connection. By introducing this intermediate torque transmission mechanism, the thread connection is protected from torsional stresses that would otherwise lead to thread damage and connection failure.
2Ease of operation
If screw connections are used to connect rod sections, then assembly is simple, but rapid detachment and attachment is difficult under severe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism incorporates a dynamic interlocking element that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The interlocking element is designed to allow rapid attachment by simply inserting and locking, and rapid detachment by releasing the interlock, enabling fast tool changes and rod section exchanges without the time-consuming process of unscrewing threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque transmission function is extracted from the thread connection and assigned to a separate interlocking element. This extraction allows the thread connection to be used solely for axial force transmission and simple assembly, while the interlocking element provides rapid engagement and disengagement capability for torque-critical applications.
3Device complexity
If conventional threads are used for rod assemblies, then connection is simple, but the useful life is too short for day-to-day operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct axial force transmission (thread) and torque transmission (interlocking element) functions. This segmentation prevents the thread from being subjected to combined axial and torsional loads, which are the primary causes of thread wear and connection failure in conventional designs, thereby significantly extending the useful life of the connection for daily operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connection mechanism have specialized local properties: the thread connection element is optimized for axial force transmission with appropriate thread geometry and material properties, while the interlocking element is optimized for torque transmission with features like splines, keys, or gear teeth. This local optimization ensures each component performs its specific function efficiently and durably.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection mechanism has a drive section with a thread on one end and is constructed as a sleeve. A shaft element having a thread matching the thread of the drive section can be screwed together with the drive section. At least one interlocking element forming an interlock with the sleeve is provided in addition to the thread.