Yielding Coupling Structure for Retaining Resilient Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical couplings with resilient members often experience displacement over time due to rotational vibrations, leading to failure in absorbing torsional vibrations and potentially causing damage to connected components, as the resilient members can ride out of their recesses and fail to return.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical coupling design incorporates channels in the recesses and corresponding projections on the resilient members, which securely retain the resilient members in place, preventing unwanted rotation and displacement, and includes retaining rings to further constrain axial movement, ensuring the resilient members remain within their recesses to absorb torsional vibrations effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient members are placed in recesses without channels, then the coupling can absorb torsional vibrations, but the resilient members may rotate and displace over time
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the recess is segmented into multiple channels that individually engage with projections on the resilient member. This segmentation provides multiple retention points distributed across the base surface, preventing both radial rotation and axial displacement of the resilient member while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If channels are added to the recess base, then resilient members are retained more securely, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are pre-formed as integral features of the recess during the manufacturing process, rather than being added as separate components or requiring post-processing. This preliminary integration ensures precise alignment between channels and resilient member projections while simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow.
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
This design enhances the retention of resilient members within the coupling, reducing the likelihood of displacement and failure, thereby maintaining the coupling's ability to absorb torsional vibrations and preventing damage to connected components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element is provided between a wall of at least one recess and a protruding element that fits into the recess
Implementation Method 2
accommodate any vibrational torque transmitted from the driver to the driven part of the system and/or from the driven part to the driver
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical coupling is disclosed. The mechanical coupling includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first and second coupling members each include a body having a first end and an opposed second end. The body defines a central axis. Each coupling member further includes at least one finger that extends from the body in the direction of the central axis and a recess that extends radially into the body, the recess extending between the first end and the second end of the body. The recess has a base that includes at least one channel. The coupling further includes a first resilient member received in the recess of the first coupling member and a second resilient member received in the recess of the second coupling member. The first and second resilient members each include at least one projection that is configured to be received by the channel of the recess of the respective first coupling member or of the second coupling member.