Helical Drive Coupling
AssigneeBell Helicopter Textron Inc.
InventorsRussell L. Mueller, Michael S. Seifert, Steven K. Spears, Frank B. Stamps
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A drive coupling has first and second coaxial end adapters. A first set of at least two coaxial helical elements has a first end of each element attached to the first end adapter, and a second end of each element is coupled to the second end adapter. At least one biasing device biases the end adapters relative to each other. Torque applied to one of the end adapters is transferred through the first set of helical elements to the other end adapter, the helical elements allowing for misalignment of the end adapters during operation.
Claims20
A drive coupling, comprising:
- first and second coaxial end adapters;
- a first set of at least two coaxial helical elements, a first end of each element being attached to the first end adapter, a second end of each element being coupled to the second end adapter;
- and
- at least one biasing device for biasing the end adapters relative to each other;
- wherein torque applied to one of the end adapters is transferred through the first set of helical elements to the other end adapter, the helical elements allowing for misalignment of the end adapters during operation.
A drive coupling, comprising:
- a drive shaft having first and second ends;
- first and second coaxial end adapters;
- a first set of at least two coaxial helical elements, a first end of each element of the first set being attached to the first end adapter, a second end of each element of the first set being attached to the first end of the drive shaft;
- a second set of at least two coaxial helical elements, a first end of each element of the second set being attached to the second end adapter, a second end of each element of the second set being attached to the second end of the drive shaft;
- and
- at least one biasing device for biasing one of the end adapters relative to the associated end of the drive shaft;
- wherein torque applied to one of the end adapters is transferred through the associated set of elements, through the drive shaft, and then through the other set of helical elements to the other end adapter, the helical elements allowing for misalignment of the end adapters relative to each other and to the drive shaft during operation.
A drive coupling, comprising:
- a drive shaft having first and second ends;
- first and second coaxial end adapters;
- a first set of at least two coaxial helical elements, a first end of each element of the first set being attached to the first end adapter, a second end of each element of the first set being attached to the first end of the drive shaft;
- a second set of at least two coaxial helical elements, a first end of each element of the second set being attached to the second end adapter, a second end of each element of the second set being attached to the second end of the drive shaft;
- a bearing mounted in one end of the drive shaft;
- and
- a spindle extending from one of the end adapters and configured to engage the bearing of the drive shaft for limiting misalignment of the associated end adapter relative to the drive shaft;
- wherein torque applied to one of the end adapters is transferred through the associated set of elements, through the drive shaft, and then through the other set of helical elements to the other end adapter, the helical elements allowing for misalignment of the end adapters relative to each other and to the drive shaft during operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.