Torque-Locked Shaft-Hub Connection with Continuous Thread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft-hub connections require large diameter differences for torque transmission, leading to unnecessary space and weight, particularly in motor vehicle chassis where external threads are needed, resulting in poor mechanical properties and increased costs due to oversized eccentric screws.

Innovation Solution

A torque-locking connection using sector-shaped profiles on the shaft and hub, where the profile is designed with recesses and protuberances forming a convex lens cross-section, allowing for uninterrupted external threads and reduced diameter differences, enabling efficient torque transmission with self-centering capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large diameter difference is used between the shaft profile and the external thread, then torque transmission capability is improved, but weight and space consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidweight of eccentric screw
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the shaft profile by using sector-shaped indentations with specific angular ranges (30° to 90°) and depth ratios (0.2 to 0.8 of the radius), enabling effective torque transmission with minimal diameter difference between the profile and external thread

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sector-shaped indentations utilize curved geometric forms with defined radii and angular sectors, creating an optimized profile geometry that transmits torque efficiently while minimizing the diameter difference and resulting weight reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Force

If a large diameter difference is used between the shaft profile and the external thread, then torque transmission capability is improved, but the eccentric screw becomes thicker and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission capabilityVSAvoidthickness and cost of eccentric screw
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By optimizing the angular sector range (30° to 90°) and depth ratio (0.2 to 0.8 of radius) of the indentations, the invention achieves sufficient torque transmission with minimal profile diameter, reducing the overall thickness and complexity of the eccentric screw component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The curved sector-shaped profile geometry provides optimal torque transmission surface area within a compact diameter, eliminating the need for excessive thickness while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Shape

If interrupted external threads are used to accommodate the profile, then the profile can be formed, but mechanical properties are significantly impaired and thread destruction risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile formationVSAvoidmechanical properties and thread integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque transmission function is segmented from the external thread by using sector-shaped indentations that are radially offset from the thread, allowing the thread to remain continuous and unbroken while the indentations provide the necessary profile for torque transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profile features are positioned in a different radial dimension than the external thread, with the deepest point of the indentation radially offset from the thread diameter, enabling both continuous threading and effective torque transmission without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Force

If the profile deepest point is at or above the thread diameter, then torque transmission is maximized, but the hub part cannot be assembled over the thread

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidassemblability of hub part
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the angular sector range (30° to 90°) and depth ratio (0.2 to 0.8 of radius) to create sufficient torque transmission surface area while keeping the radial depth limited, enabling both effective torque transmission and clearance for thread passage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The curved sector-shaped indentations with defined radii create an optimized profile that provides adequate torque transmission surface while maintaining a compact radial depth that allows the hub part to clear the external thread during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2379906B1Profiles for transmitting torque and torque-locked connection
Publication Date: 2015.02.18 ALTENLOH BRINCK & CO GMBH
  • EP2379906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2379906B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2379906B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

A torque-locked connection between a hub or disk (14) and a shaft, a journal or a shank (12), wherein the hub or disk (14) is provided with a profiled passage for the shaft, the journal or the shank (12) and said shaft, journal or shank in turn is provided with a corresponding outside profile (16) and an outside thread (26) following said outside profile (16), said outside thread being used to screw on a nut so as to secure the hub or disk (14), wherein the difference between the outside diameter of the outside thread (26) and the outer surrounding diameter of the profile (16) is no more than 1 mm.