Abstract:
A metallic coupling for a drive shaft includes a first cylindrical flange extending axially along a center axis and a second cylindrical flange extending axially along the center axis and spaced axially from the first cylindrical flange. The metallic coupling also includes a first plurality and a second plurality of connectors. Each connector of the first plurality of connectors extends from the first cylindrical flange to the second cylindrical flange and are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the center axis. Each connector of the second plurality of connectors also extends from the first cylindrical flange to the second cylindrical flange and are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the center axis. The second plurality of connectors are radially inward from the first plurality of connectors relative to the center axis. An annular gap is radially between the first plurality of connectors and the second plurality of connectors.
Abstract:
A universal joint includes a first band and a second band which are separated by a slot, are cylindrical and coaxial with one another with respect to a common axis, and further includes a first torsion bar, whose ends are joined to the first band, and a second torsion bar whose ends are joined to the second band. Such a universal joint thus has a relatively simple structure.
Abstract:
A torque coupler includes a first torque plate having a first slot extending in a radial direction, and a second torque plate having a second slot extending in the radial direction. The second slot has a side formed of a flexible beam. A cam plate is pivotable about an axis, and has a cam slot having a first portion at a first radial distance from the axis and a second portion at a second radial distance, where the second distance is greater than the first distance. A torque transfer member is slidably received within the first slot, the second slot, and the cam slot. The transfer member transferring torque between the first and second torque plates. A drive device rotates the cam plate about the axis, which causes the first cam slot to radially slide the transfer member along the flexible beam.
Abstract:
A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes end members connected to opposite ends of a cable for connecting to components of the drill string. As the joint rotates the cable flexes to accommodate misalignment between the connected drill string components.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a first part, a second part that is rotatably mounted with respect to the first part, a flat spring, and one or more engaging members. The flat spring extends from a first end to a second end and is able to bend in a first direction and a second direction. The one or more engaging members are connected to the second part and engage the flat spring at a location between the first end of the flat spring and the second end of the flat spring to restrict bending of the flat spring in at least one of the first direction or the second direction.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a selectable-rate spring comprises a flexure bar connected to a rotatable shaft, the flexure bar having at least one arched portion. The selectable-rate spring also includes at least one rotational contactor connectable to a link member, wherein the rotational contactor rotates about an axis while maintaining contact with the arched portion of the flexure bar. As the rotational contactor rotates, it changes the connection stiffness between the rotatable shaft and the link member.
Abstract:
A torsionally flexible coupling comprises an inner part having a rotating shaft, an outer part extending around the inner part and arranged coaxially thereto, and spring elements or spring packs arranged between the inner part and the outer part and spaced in circumferential direction, wherein each spring element or spring pack is clamped at a radially outer end in a clamping support on the outer part, and a radially inner end is flexibly engaged with a corresponding groove on the inner part. In position of rest the spring elements or spring packs are angled relative to a radial direction passing through the respective clamping support and are inclined against the main direction of rotation of the coupling. Such an inclined position of the spring elements or spring packs allows a reduction of the portion of damping caused by friction so that damping can become predominantly hydraulic.
Abstract:
A torsional vibration damper or rotationally elastic coupling comprises: an outer housing including a flange; an inner part arranged within and rotatable relative to the outer housing; a plurality of intermediate pieces arranged around the inner part and spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction so as to form a plurality of chambers filled with a damping medium; a plurality of leaf spring assemblies having one or more leaf springs, said leaf spring assemblies being arranged in said chambers and having outer end portions engaging with receptacles formed between neighbouring intermediate pieces and inner end portions engaging with the inner part; and a clamping ring extending around the intermediate pieces and the leaf spring assemblies for securing the leaf spring assemblies between the intermediate pieces.
Abstract:
A momentum management system for attitude control of a spacecraft includes a housing to be fixed to the spacecraft and a momentum wheel rotor in the housing for storing angular momentum. A gimbal assembly mounts the rotor in the housing. The rotor is driven by a drive with its output coupled to the rotor. A torque generation imparts torque to the rotor about axes orthogonal to the drive axis. The gimbal assembly includes a gimbal ring coupling the drive output to the rotor. The gimbal ring in turn includes flexure joints connecting the gimbal ring to the drive and the rotor. The flexure joints are configured to permit the rotor to tilt about two flexure axes orthogonal to the drive axis to incline the rotor axis through a range of angles from about 0 degrees to about 7 degrees with respect to the drive axis under the control of said torque generation device. The preferred flexure joint is formed from two resilient, crossing webs. The webs have ring ends connected to the body of the gimbal ring and mounting ends connected to either the drive or the rotor. The system includes a launch restraint system to limit movement of the rotor along the drive axis, including a stop mounted on the drive output and a cage mounted on the rotor, surrounding the stop. Under high acceleration, the cage engages the stop to support the rotor, relieving excess stress on the flexures of the gimbal suspension. The launch restraint system also includes deflection stops adjacent opposite sides of each web of each flexure for limiting deflection of the webs.
Abstract:
A drive apparatus includes an electric motor, a speed reducer and a coupling member located between the motor and the speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor and the input shaft of the speed reducer are provided with longitudinally extending grooves having a square or rectangular cross section in which barrel members having the mating cross section are inserted, respectively to absorb any gap therebetween. The box like barrel member has four segments which are brought into resilient contact with the groove.