Universal Joint Uncoupling Device Axial Annular Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uncoupling devices for universal joint transmissions suffer from reduced component lifespan due to cyclic impacts during relative rotation, leading to early wear and compromised functionality, especially under peak loads.

Innovation Solution

An uncoupling device featuring a cylindrical casing with radial slots, a pawl supporting cage, and an annular element that moves axially between retracted and advanced positions, limiting re-coupling configurations to extend component life and ensure reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pawls are allowed to re-engage the radial slots during relative rotation, then the transmission can be re-coupled, but cyclic impacts occur that greatly reduce the useful life of the pawls and subjected components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of transmission re-couplingVSAvoiduseful life of pawls and components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The annular element performs a preliminary action by occupying the radial slots in advance before the pawls can re-engage. When the pawls are pushed outward by elastic means during relative rotation, the annular element proactively blocks the radial slots, preventing the pawl heads from re-engaging. This preliminary occupation of the slots eliminates the cyclic impacts that would otherwise occur during re-coupling attempts, thereby extending the useful life of the pawls and other components while maintaining transmission reliability through controlled single re-coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the pawls are pushed radially outward by elastic means to enable uncoupling, then torque transmission can be interrupted, but the pawls are subjected to repeated cyclic impacts during relative rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety protection from peak loadsVSAvoidcyclic impacts on pawls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The annular element acts as an intermediary between the pawls and the radial slots. When the pawls are pushed outward by elastic means to interrupt torque transmission, the annular element intervenes by occupying the radial slots, preventing the pawl heads from making impact contact with the slots during re-engagement attempts. This intermediary action allows the uncoupling function to remain effective for safety protection while eliminating the harmful cyclic impacts on the pawls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple re-coupling configurations are allowed, then the transmission can adapt to varying load conditions, but early wear occurs on the coupling and uncoupling system with consequent alteration of geometries and surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to load conditionsVSAvoidgeometric precision of coupling surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the re-coupling function by introducing the annular element as a separate component that controls and limits re-coupling to a single configuration. The annular element with its protrusions divides the radial slots' occupation function from the pawls, allowing the system to maintain adaptability through controlled single re-coupling while preventing the repeated geometric alterations that would occur with multiple re-coupling cycles. This segmentation preserves manufacturing precision by limiting wear to a single event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device prolongs the useful life of components by reducing cyclic impacts and ensuring harmonious transitions between coupling and uncoupling configurations, providing enhanced reliability and safety while maintaining economic competitiveness.

Implementation Method 1

each one comprising a foot that is interposed between two plates adapted to push radially outward said pawls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an annular element, which can move axially between a retracted position and an advanced position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial movement mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

Torque transmission occurs by way of the tangential force that develops between the profile defined by the recesses in the external rotatable element and the head of the pawls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2833015B1Uncoupling device, particularly for universal joint transmissions

Publication Date: 2016.04.13 COMER IND

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4

AI summary

An uncoupling device (1), particularly for universal joint transmissions, comprising: - a cylindrical casing (3), which is integral with a fork (30) of a universal joint, comprising a plurality of radial slots (32) provided on the inner circumferential surface (34) of the casing (3); - a pawl supporting cage (5), which is integral with a rotation shaft (50), comprising a plurality of radial seats (7), and is accommodated rotatably within said casing (3); - a plurality of pawls (9) adapted to be accommodated in the radial seats (7) of the cage (5); the pawls (9) are adapted to pass from a coupling configuration to an uncoupling configuration. The device further comprises an annular element (13), which can move axially between a retracted position and an advanced position, the annular element (13) comprising a plurality of tongues (130).