Wind Turbine Coupling Assembly With Compression Ring Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmitting couplings for wind turbines are not adequately suited for the increased torque and larger diameters of modern wind turbine drivetrains, leading to over-dimensioning and high costs, as well as difficulties in assembly and disassembly due to microform fits and limited torque transmission regions.
Innovation Solution
A torque transmitting coupling assembly featuring a torque transmitting ring and a compression ring that transfers torque radially and axially between coupling parts of the same diameter, allowing for compact and flexible coupling without over-dimensioning, using a torque transmitting ring that can be made of rigid or elastic materials and arranged at the outer surface of the coupling parts, with serrations or splines for enhanced torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction shims with diamonds are used to increase friction coefficient, then torque transmission capability is improved, but cost increases significantly and disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive friction shims with diamonds with a more economical coupling design using a compression ring and coupling elements that can be assembled and disassembled without specialized tools or materials, significantly reducing cost while maintaining torque transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into separate components including a first coupling part, second coupling part, and compression ring that can be independently assembled and disassembled, eliminating the difficulty of disassembling monolithic friction shim couplings
2Ease of operation
If second coupling part is arranged at outer circumferential surface of first coupling part, then coupling is achieved, but over-dimensioning is required and torque transmitting region is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement where the second coupling part is at the outer circumferential surface to an axial arrangement where coupling elements engage through the thickness of the coupling parts, allowing compact design without over-dimensioning while maintaining full torque transmitting region
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are positioned within the axial thickness of the coupling parts, with the compression ring nesting between the first and second coupling parts, enabling compact coupling without requiring increased radial dimensions
3Reliability
If shafts with wider diameter are used to handle increased torque, then torque capacity is improved, but coupling complexity and over-dimensioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to accommodate shafts of standard dimensions while handling increased torque through the compression ring mechanism and multiple coupling elements, eliminating the need for specialized wide-diameter shafts and reducing coupling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring applies distributed compressive force across the coupling interface, creating a composite stress state that increases friction and torque capacity without requiring increased shaft diameter, thereby maintaining standard shaft dimensions and reducing coupling complexity
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
Enables efficient torque transmission with reduced slippage and misalignment issues, maintaining compactness and flexibility, while avoiding the need for over-dimensioning of coupling parts, thus supporting the increased loads and sizes of modern wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
the compression ring is configured to press the torque transmitting ring against the first coupling part and the second coupling part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A torque transmitting coupling assembly (1) for a wind turbine configured to rotatably couple a first coupling part (2) to a second coupling part (3), wherein the first coupling part (2) and the second coupling part (3) are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis (10) of the torque transmitting coupling assembly (1), characterized in that the torque transmitting coupling assembly (1) comprises a torque transmitting ring (4) and a compression ring (5).