Flexible Torque Disc Coupling With Deflection-Limiting Support Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite material torque transmission discs in flexible couplings are prone to delamination under large out-of-plane flexing loads, which can lead to weakening and potential failure, especially during handling, installation, or servicing, posing a risk of latent faults that may not be detected until subsequent use.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coupling design featuring a flexible torque disc with equiangularly spaced fixing points, a support ring, and mounting means, such as bushes with stop flanges, that restrict deflection of the disc relative to the support ring, preventing excessive flexing and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a composite material torque transmission disc is used to reduce weight, then the weight of the coupling is reduced, but the disc becomes susceptible to delamination under large out-of-plane flexing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a support ring that prevents excessive out-of-plane deflection of the composite torque transmission disc before delamination can occur. The support ring acts as a protective measure in advance, limiting the flexing loads to safe levels during handling, installation, and operation, thereby preventing the harmful effect of delamination while maintaining the weight benefits of composite materials
2Adaptability or versatility
If the torque transmission disc is allowed to flex to accommodate angular misalignment, then the coupling accommodates misalignment between shafts, but excessive flexing causes delamination and weakening of the disc
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing localized support at specific points on the torque transmission disc through the support ring. This localized support structure allows the disc to flex sufficiently to accommodate angular misalignment between shafts while preventing excessive flexing at critical locations that would cause delamination. The support ring is positioned to provide just enough reinforcement at key areas without over-constraining the disc's ability to accommodate misalignment
3Ease of operation
If mounting means are provided to secure the disc, then the disc is fixed to the rotatable components, but the mounting means may not prevent excessive deflection under large loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the functions of the support ring and mounting means into an integrated structure. The support ring not only provides structural reinforcement to prevent excessive deflection but also serves as the mounting structure for securing the torque transmission disc to the rotatable components. This merged design ensures that the disc is both securely mounted and protected against excessive deflection under large loads, addressing both ease of operation and reliability
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 effectively limits deflection and reduces the risk of damage to the torque disc, ensuring reliable torque transmission while accommodating limited angular misalignment between rotatable components, even under extreme conditions like wing flexing, thereby enhancing the coupling's durability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Any slight angular misalignment of the axes of rotation of the rotatable components can be accommodated by limited flexing of the torque transmission disc
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coupling comprises a flexible torque disc (24) having a first plurality of fixing points (24a) whereby it can be mounted upon a first rotatable component (12), in use, and a second plurality of fixing points (24b) whereby it can be mounted upon a second rotatable component (14), in use, a support ring (26), and mounting means (34) whereby the flexible torque disc (24) is secured to the support ring (26), the mounting means (34) restricting deflection of the flexible torque disc (24) relative to the support ring (26).