Winged Elastomeric Coupling Bonding Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric couplings face separation forces at the ends of coupling segments, leading to bond failure between the elastomer and clamp rings, especially under cyclic or continuous flexing conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating winged portions of elastomer material at the ends and intermediate areas of the clamp rings to increase the bonding area, which are designed to extend axially and circumferentially to counteract disbonding forces without compromising torsional stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamp rings are used to join elastomeric coupling segments, then the coupling can transmit torque between shafts, but separation forces cause bond failure between the elastomer and clamp rings at the ends of coupling segments
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material is extended in the axial dimension by forming winged portions that protrude axially from the coupling segment ends. This dimensional extension increases the bonding interface area between the elastomer and clamp rings, distributing separation forces over a larger area and preventing bond failure at the critical end regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The winged portions are pre-formed as integral parts of the elastomeric coupling segments before assembly. These extended elastomeric features are positioned to engage with the clamp rings in advance, creating a pre-established bonding interface that resists separation forces from the outset during operation.
2Reliability
If the bonding area between elastomer and clamp rings is increased, then separation resistance improves, but the coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winged portions are formed as an integral extension of the elastomeric coupling segments themselves, merging the bonding enhancement feature with the primary coupling component. This integration avoids adding separate discrete parts or complex assembly steps, thereby improving bond durability without significantly increasing overall coupling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material is extended only at specific locations (the ends of coupling segments) where separation forces are most critical. The winged portions are localized to these high-stress regions rather than uniformly increasing complexity throughout the entire coupling structure, providing targeted reliability improvement with minimal complexity increase.
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 enhanced bonding area significantly reduces the likelihood of separation between the elastomer and clamp rings, improving the durability and reliability of the coupling under stress conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric element which has winged portions that minimized separation forces between the elastomeric element and the clamp rings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A coupling transmits torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis. The coupling has a center axis approximately aligned with the shaft axis. The coupling comprises arcuate coupling segments with ends extending generally parallel to the coupling center axis and arcuate portions extending between the ends. The arcuate coupling segments are arranged in a ring with adjacent segments being arranged end to end to form the coupling. Each coupling portion comprises a first clamp ring adapted to be operatively attached to a shaft and a second clamp ring adapted to be operatively connected to another shaft. Elastomer material extends between both clamp rings. The elastomer material extends axially and circumferentially on each clamp ring in areas adjacent to each end of the arcuate coupling segment.