Load coupling and method for adjusting torsional natural frequency of power train

A load coupling for a power train, the load coupling comprising:

• a first flange;
• a second flange;
• a shaft extending between the first flange and the second flange;
• an annular ring extending radially outward from one of the first flange, the second flange, or the shaft, the annular ring comprising a plurality of bore holes defined therein, each of the plurality of bore holes comprising a first opening;
• and
• a first cap connected within one of the plurality of bore holes proximate the first opening, the first cap comprising an outer surface and a side surface, wherein a channel is defined in the side surface of the first cap such that a tab is defined between the outer surface and the channel;
• a first fastener extending through the tab of the first cap, wherein extension of the first fastener through the tab of the first cap causes deformation of the tab of the first cap such that the interference fit is created with the one of the plurality of bore holes;
• and
• a plug disposed within the one of the plurality of bore holes, the plug comprising a main body and a first projection extending from the main body, the first projection defining a first end surface of the plug and a side surface, the plug and first cap disposed within the one of the plurality of bore holes such that the first end surface contacts the first cap and a clearance gap is provided between the first cap and the side surface and main body of the plug.

A method for adjusting a torsional natural frequency of a power train including a load coupling coupled between a torque producing power source and a torque driven power load, the method comprising:

• providing an annular ring extending radially outward from one of a first flange, a second flange, or a shaft of the load coupling, the annular ring comprising a plurality of bore holes defined therein, each of the plurality of bore holes comprising a first opening;
• connecting a first cap within one of the plurality of bore holes proximate the first opening, the first cap comprising an outer surface and side surface, wherein a channel is defined in the side surface of the first cap such that a tab is defined between the outer surface and the channel;
• inserting a first fastener through the tab of the first cap, wherein extension of the first fastener through the tab of the first cap causes deformation of the tab of the first can such that the interference fit is created with the one of the plurality of bore holes;
• and
• inserting a plug into the one of the plurality of bore holes, the plug comprising a main body and a first projection extending from the main body, the first projection defining a first end surface of the plug and a side surface, the plug and first cap disposed within the one of the plurality of bore holes such that the first end surface contacts the first cap and a clearance gap is provided between the first cap and the side surface and main body of the plug.