Wind Turbine Coupling Structure for Torque and Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical couplings in wind turbine technology face challenges in reliably transmitting torque while compensating for positioning and alignment inaccuracies, and require ease of assembly, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness, especially when handling high drive torques.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a circumferential intermediate piece with axially movement-resistant flanges connected via longitudinal webs, which form pockets for increased torsional rigidity and weight savings, and includes disk packs for radial, axial, and angular offset compensation, along with conical bolts for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid coupling between two shafts is used with flanges bolted to an intermediate piece, then torque transmission is achieved, but the coupling cannot compensate for positioning and alignment inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membrane elements that can deform elastically to accommodate misalignment between shafts while maintaining torque transmission. The membrane acts as a flexible coupling element that absorbs positioning and alignment inaccuracies through its elastic deformation characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex coupling structure with multiple components is used to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single intermediate piece structure that combines flange mounting surfaces, membrane attachment points, and alignment compensation features. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to compensate for misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piece is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides torque transmission, alignment compensation, and simplified assembly features. The single piece structure serves multiple purposes that would traditionally require separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional flange coupling designs are used, then ease of manufacture is achieved, but torsional rigidity and weight optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane element provides torsional coupling while allowing for weight reduction compared to traditional rigid solid structures. The membrane's thin-film construction achieves the necessary torsional rigidity with significantly reduced material usage and weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling (30) for connecting a gearbox (50) to a drive shaft (45), comprising: - a peripherally extending intermediate piece (10), which has an input-side flange (12) and an output-side flange (14), the output-side flange being axially rigidly connected to the input-side flange (12) by means of longitudinal webs (16), wherein the longitudinal web (16) is formed integrally with the input-side flange (12) and with the output-side flange (14), and wherein each longitudinal web (16) is composed of one or two parts. The invention also relates to a drive train (60), a wind turbine (70), an industrial application (80) and a computer program product (90) with a coupling (30) of this type. As a result of the longitudinal webs (30), an increase in the torsional stiffness of the intermediate piece (10) of the coupling (30) is economically achieved in a weight-saving way.