It's Much More Than a Means to Connect Two Shafts

Issue Number 3

Contents:

It's Much More Than A Means To Connect Two Shafts

Now You Can Dream...

Flexure Facts Story 3

Flexure Facts Story 6

IT'S MUCH MORE THAN A MEANS TO CONNECT TWO SHAFTS

One piece, flexible (flexured) couplings make a difference in successful operation

Skewed, Angular and Parallel Misalignment

A key criterion for a good flexible coupling is that it compensates for misalignments and has a high cycle life with a minimum effect on the shafts and bearings. The wrong coupling can mean a world of trouble.

The "flexured," one piece flexible coupling manufactured from a single, homogeneous piece of metal can help substantially in maximizing system performance. To put you on the right track, here are some definitions and considerations that can make it easier for you to specify the best one piece rotating flexible shaft coupling or U-joint for your application.

Why A Flexible Coupling?

A "flexible" coupling adjusts for misalignments between two component shaft as torque/motion is transferred between shafts. If a solid coupling is used, it could create high loads on the shaft and bearings. This results in torque loss as it requires more energy to compensate for the higher friction which in turn increases the temperature in the system. These side loads can markedly reduce the life of the system.

Is There An Ideal Flexible Coupling For All Systems?

To enhance the ability of all components to work in unison, a flexible coupling should be considered in the early design stages, Thus the coupling becomes an integral part of the system. Since requirements differ, there is no such thing as one ideal coupling for all systems. Rather, there is an ideal coupling for a particular application.

The best flexible coupling should:

Accommodate misalignment

Minimize adjacent bearing loads

Absorb shock

Allow for axial motion

Provide the necessary torsional rate

Have a reasonable envelope (outside diameter and length)

Incorporate reliable and easy-to-use attachment

Integrate as many additional functions as possible

Be cost effective

Determining the appropriate coupling should be part of the total design process--as opposed to a last minute selection. When the design is complete, the coupling is an integrated component that works reliably with all other components. In production it becomes time consuming and too costly to align shafts perfectly, therefore, the flexible coupling is a cost saving device.

What Should One Know To Be Able To Select The Correct Flexible Coupling For A Given Application?

There are a number of things that need to be known to specify the correct coupling. Among them are angular and skew misalignment, axial motion, RPM, torque, torsional requirements, size constraints, attachment and material requirements.

Angular misalignment occurs when shafts are aligned, nut are not parallel. Parallel misalignment happens when shafts are parallel, however, not aligned. Skew misalignment is when both angular and parallel misalignments are occurring at the same time. Axial motion compensates for the expansion and extension of the motor shaft. The flexible coupling must help relieve the stress caused by this movement. RPM is another important design consideration as there are limits with respect to rotational speed due to centrifugal forces. Torque considerations should encompass:

Maximum (start up) torque

Working (continuous) torque

Direction of rotation or does it reverse (how quickly)

Torsional requirements may help in the application as well. Is shock absorption needed? System accuracy a primary concern? What is the frequency of the entire system? The flexible coupling must be able to satisfy all of these requirements. Size constraints can be dealt with much easier when the designer considers the flexible coupling early in the design stage. Attachments can enhance the ability to incorporate two, three or more separate pieces into a single piece of material. Materials used depend on the environment in which the system will operate. Temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, magnetic or non-magnetic, higher torque, all must be considered in the coupling's design and material composition.

The Versatile, Flexured Coupling Can Satisfy A Wide Variety Of Designs

The Helical "flexured" coupling has the inherent potential to more than satisfy the criteria noted above. The remarkable thing about the Helical "flexured" coupling is its versatility. There are so many aspects of it that can be optimized to fit a variety of applications.

The "flexure" in couplings and U-joints can be designed to handle various torque and misalignments and an infinite number of attachment requirements. Other features, not directly related to the coupling, such as gears or shafts, SPLINE bores, internal/external threads can be integrated; whatever is needed. In this way, a one piece coupling or U-joint can be created that incorporates the correct torque and misalignment capacity, with attachments that are reliable and easy to use. The net result is reduction in the total parts, and lower overall system costs.

Sound remarkable? It really is! The one piece flexured coupling or U-joint, with all of its design options, can incorporate a myriad of features for a particular application -- everything you would want in a coupling and more.

Now You Can Dream....

The HELI-CAL Flexure, coupled with your imagination, offers unlimited design possibilities.

The sheer challenge of solving mechanical problems inspires most engineers. And for a broad range of critical applications and creative solutions, the HELI-CAL Flexure provides the missing link.

A revolutionary component in today's innovative technology, the HELI-CAL Flexure is designed to perform where greater misalignment, higher speeds, limited lubrication or other engineering demands would exceed the capabilities of ordinary couplings.

So now you can dream...and make it practical. The HELI-CAL Flexure creates a connection between dream and reality that has never been stronger by offering design engineers a versatile advantage to traditional couplings, U-joints and springs.

More than a means to connect two shafts, the HELI-CAL Flexure can meet your particular design needs. Whether you're designing oil field equipment, high-speed plotters or precision medical devices, the HELI-CAL Flexure offers many premium performance features to expand your design freedom. It's ideal for compensating for misalignments... transmitting torque... allowing axial motion... producing constant velocity... assuring smooth bearing loads... enhancing one-piece integrity and permitting integration.

The HELI-CAL Flexure can be worked into your design in almost any fashion imaginable. You can specify coil configurations , windup, spring rates or special end connections. Tiny diameters to big ones. The HELI-CAL Flexure can be designed and manufactured in a wide range of materials, coil thickness, and number of coils. It has physical properties that enable it to be used for almost any application, under almost any condition.

You will find the HELI-CAL Flexure used in aircraft, satellite instruments, computers, control panels, scientific apparatus and other highly specialized equipment-from the simplest to the most demanding applications. Our application engineers can design, develop and produce a HELI-CAL Flexure to meet your specific requirements.

Please Note:

You are invited to take advantage of Helical's design and application engineering expertise. As previously indicated, not only can the flexible sections of Helical couplings and U-joints be altered to accommodate various torque and misalignments, but an infinite number of attachment designs are also available. The net result is often a reduction in total number of parts, and lower system costs. Consultation with Helical factory engineers is at "no charge" We urge you to use this service or call the Helical technical representative nearest you.

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