US 2005/0239558 A1 · Self-forming sleeve for shaft coupling

Abstract

A technique is provided for defining a self-forming sleeve between a male shaft and a female or hollow shaft. The self-forming sleeve prevents wear and fretting at the interface between the male shaft and the hollow shaft while permitting torque to be transmitted through the interface. The self-forming sleeve may be made of a curable liquid, such as an adhesive or sealing compound. The sleeve material is applied either to the hollow bore, to the male shaft, or to both immediately prior to an assembly step. Following curing or bonding of the self-forming sleeve, the sleeve will not drain, flow or otherwise be extruded from the interface between the male shaft and hollow bore, providing continued operation with a minimal degree of wear and fretting at the interface. The self-forming sleeve allows the mating male and hollow shafts to be disassembled, after extensive periods of operation, without excessive force and without significant damage to shafts and connected machinery.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A method for coupling a male shaft with a hollow member, the method comprising:

disposing a curable interface material in a region between an outer surface of a male shaft and an inner surface of a hollow member, the interface material contacting both the outer surface and the inner surface;
and
curing the interface material in situ between the shaft and the hollow member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-forming sleeve for shaft coupling

Life of this patent

Self-forming sleeve for shaft coupling

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29