Universal Coupler Holder With Spherical Support for Shaft Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using the electrophotographic method, misalignment between driving and driven shafts leads to fluctuations in angular velocity, degrading the fixed speed rotation performance, especially when using a flexible coupling structure.
Innovation Solution
A universal coupler is introduced, comprising a driving shaft, coupler holder, driving coupler, driving coupling pin, and an elastic member, which allows for efficient power transmission even with misalignment by using a spherical portion and elastic member to maintain contact and stabilize the rotation, reducing assembly difficulties and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible coupling structure is used to connect driving shaft and driven shaft, then misalignment between shafts can be accommodated, but angular velocity fluctuation increases and fixed speed rotation performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical portion in the coupler holder that contacts the driving shaft, replacing traditional rigid or flexible coupling structures. This spherical contact geometry enables the coupler holder to pivot and adapt to misalignment between driving and driven shafts while maintaining stable rotational motion. The spherical shape distributes contact forces evenly and minimizes angular velocity fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between misalignment accommodation and rotation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler holder is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot and adjust its orientation relative to the driving shaft through the spherical contact. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to automatically compensate for misalignment during operation, maintaining reliable fixed-speed rotation performance while adapting to varying alignment conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a universal coupler with spherical portion and elastic member is used, then assembly difficulty and cost are reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler holder integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the mounting structure and the pivoting mechanism through its spherical contact with the driving shaft. The elastic member simultaneously provides both the pivoting capability and the resetting force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying assembly while achieving the desired adaptive coupling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is configured to automatically reset the coupler holder to its neutral position after pivoting accommodates misalignment. This self-resetting mechanism eliminates the need for additional control systems or adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining ease of assembly and operation.
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 universal coupler minimizes angular velocity variations, ensuring stable fixed-speed rotation performance despite misalignment, improving the reliability and quality of image formation by maintaining consistent power delivery to the driven shaft.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (e.g., spring member or biasing member) 550. The elastic member 550 elastically supports the coupler holder 520 to be inclinable
Data Source
AI summary
A universal coupler includes: a driving shaft, a coupler holder, driving coupler, a driving coupling pin, and an elastic member. The driving shaft has a driving shaft a first pin hole. The coupler holder includes a bore, a separation prevention member that partially blocks the bore, and a coupling groove formed in the bore. The driving coupler includes a spherical portion that is located in the bore and in contact with the separation prevention member, a shaft insertion portion formed through the spherical portion, and a second pin hole that penetrates the spherical portion. The driving coupling pin is insertable into the driving pin hole, and has an end insertable into the coupling groove. The elastic member applies elasticity to the coupler holder in a direction that urges the spherical portion of the driving coupler against the separation prevention member.