Composite Disc Coupling
Basic info
The Composite Disc Coupling is a new kind of constant velocity
joint with characteristics originally targeted towards automotive propeller
shaft applications where it offers exceptionally high efficiency and suitability
for high speed / small angle applications.
Flexible couplings are widely used in all kinds of power transmission applications
where some kind of motor or driver has to be connected to some kind of load.
It rarely makes sense to mount an entire system on a common shaft; instead
it is normal to mount each self-contained device (eg motor, gearbox, fan,
pump, etc.) onto a common frame. This introduces all kinds of misalignment
possibilities which depend partly on build tolerances, but which also depend
on the stiffness of the structure and the stiffness of the mounts used.
It is therefore essential to link the devices using shafts equipped with flexible
couplings, so that the various types of misalignment (both as installed, and
movement during operation) can be accommodated:
Axial misalignment – or tolerance in the coupling installed length.
Angular misalignment – the angle between the axis of the shaft and the axis of the machine that it’s connected to.
Offset misalignment – this is usually resolved into additional angular misalignment in the coupling at each end of the shaft.
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The Composite Disc - A new joint for High Power Driveshafts
The Composite Disc Coupling
has a novel and complex structure of glass fibre in an epoxy matrix, with
the orientations of the glass fibre reinforcement layers controlled to give
the desired combination of torsional, axial and radial stiffness. Use
of glass fibre in this way gives a fundamental theoretical advantage over
other materials used in disc couplings, which is reflected in an improved
operating torque / installed angle capability.
The composite disc has been introduced for specialized commercial applications
and several thousand have been produced and sold to date. These have
mostly been used in Motorsport and Wind turbine driveshaft applications, but
the range of applications is now increasing quickly because of the unique
combination of strengths this coupling has.
How many of these are important for your application?
Exceptional Operating Efficiency - Joints run Cool
Very Low Weight – Low Inertia – No Backlash
Heat, Humidity, Ozone, Oil – No Problem
Non-conductive, Non-magnetic, Radar transparent
No Lubrication – No Wear – Maintenance Free
Excellent Torsional Fatigue resistance
Tolerates High Misalignment Angles
Durability Prediction from a Mathematical Model
Centring Accuracy – Suitable for High Speeds
Low Axial Stiffness – Even with High Torque applied
The glass fibre composite used for the discs is tolerant of many typical aggressive
environments, eg. Oil, ozone, sea water etc.. The composite has a particularly
high glass transition temperature (above 180°C), so operating temperatures
up to 100°C are acceptable and excursions above can be permitted.
The Composite Disc Coupling has an overall performance that stands head and
shoulders above the alternatives, has comprehensive patent protection and
is produced exclusively by Spinning-Composites.
The groundbreaking success was recognized by the Design Council in the UK,
who selected the Composite Disc Coupling as a ‘Millennium Product’.
This is a UK Government backed initiative to reward innovative products that
are pioneering in their fields and challenge existing conventions.
