Systems, methods, and apparatus for supported shafts

A system for transferring a rotational force, the system comprising:

• a first cap configured to receive the rotational force from a first mechanical component;
• a shaft member coupled to the first cap, the shaft member comprising:
• a first end configured to receive the rotational force from the first cap mechanically coupled with the first mechanical component, wherein the shaft member is configured to receive a torsional load in response to receiving the rotational force at the first end,
• a second end opposite to the first end,
• an outer surface, and
• an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an internal volume of the shaft member;
• a support member included in the internal volume of the shaft member, the support member comprising a plurality of lobes coupled to the shaft member and configured to transmit the torsional load of the shaft member, wherein the plurality of lobes are coupled to each other along a central coupling and extend radially from the central coupling, wherein the central coupling is formed by a bond between the plurality of lobes, wherein the plurality of lobes has a spiral geometry along a length of the support member such that an orientation of the plurality of lobes rotates along the length of the support member;
• and
• a second cap coupled to the second end of the shaft member, wherein the second cap is configured to provide the rotational force to a second mechanical component.

A method of using an internally supported shaft capable of transferring a rotational force, the method comprising:

• receiving, from a first mechanical component, the rotational force at a first end of a shaft member, wherein the shaft member has an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface defines an internal volume of the shaft member;
• receiving a torsional load at the shaft member in response to receiving the rotational force;
• transmitting, using support provided by a support member included in the internal volume of the shaft member, the torsional load received at the shaft member, wherein the support member comprises a plurality of lobes coupled to the shaft member and configured to transmit the torsional load of the shaft member, wherein the plurality of lobes are coupled to each other along a central coupling and extend radially from the central coupling, wherein the central coupling is formed by a bond between the plurality of lobes, and wherein the plurality of lobes has a spiral geometry along a length of the support member such that an orientation of the plurality of lobes rotates along the length of the support member;
• transferring the rotational force to a second end of the shaft member;
• and
• providing the rotational force to a second mechanical component.