Advanced Shaft Coupling Design

本项目针对一类特殊类型的机械轴联轴器进行分析建模。这种联轴器用于连接以一定角度相交的旋转轴。实践中常用的有万向联轴器和等速联轴器。后一类包括Rzeppa耦合，这是本研究的主题。这些联轴器用于各种应用中，最明显的是前轮驱动汽车的车轮传动，其中需要恒角速度的传动。目前，Rzeppa联轴器的设计都是经验性的。一般的程序是构建一些原型，体现先前经验的智慧，然后进行验证测试，以确定应该将哪个模型投入生产。如果没有一个是足够的，则需要重复该过程。在当今竞争激烈的世界中，人们对更高的速度、更多的负载和更高的可靠性提出了更高的要求，这种方法过于昂贵和耗时。本研究的目的是为Rzeppa联轴器的设计提供分析方法。采用对偶数元坐标变换矩阵方法对其运动学和静力学行为进行了分析。本文所涉及的具体主题包括操纵杆比例的合成、操纵杆操纵的循环速度波动、Rzeppa联轴器槽几何形状、联轴器球之间的载荷分配、一般分析方法和实验研究。这项研究的另一个特点是，它将进一步推广一般空间机构的分析程序。

This project addresses the analytical modelling of a particular class of mechanical shaft couplings. Such couplings are used to connect rotating shafts which intersect at an angle. Those prevalent in practice include the universal joint and the constant velocity joint. The latter class includes the Rzeppa coupling which is the subject of this study. These couplings are used in a variety of applications, most notably in the wheel drives of front wheel drive automobiles, where transmission of constant angular rate is desired. Presently, Rzeppa couplings are designed empirically. The general procedure is to construct a number of prototypes embodying the wisdom of prior experience and then proof test to determine which model should be put into production. If none is adequate, then repeating the procedure is required. In the today's competitive world with its demands for higher speeds, increased loads, and improved reliability, this method is excessively expensive and time consuming. The purpose of this study is to provide analytical procedures for the design of Rzeppa couplings. Dual number element coordinate transformation matrix methods will be applied to analyze its kinematic and static behavior. Specific topics addressed herein include synthesis of pilot lever proportions, cyclic velocity fluctuations through pilot lever manipulation, Rzeppa coupling groove geometry, load sharing among coupling balls, general analysis methodology, and experimental investigations. This investigation has the added feature that it will further generalize the analysis procedures for general spatial mechanisms.