Quick torque coupling
Abstract
A coupling for mechanically connecting modular tubular struts of a positioning apparatus or space frame, comprising a pair of toothed rings (10, 12) attached to separate strut members (16), the teeth (18, 20) of the primary rings (10, 12) mechanically interlocking in both an axial and circumferential manner, and a third part comprising a sliding, toothed collar (14) the teeth (22) of which interlock the teeth (18, 20) of the primary rings (10, 12), preventing them from disengaging, and completely locking the assembly together. A secondary mechanism provides a nesting force for the collar, and/or retains it. The coupling is self-contained and requires no external tools for installation, and can be assembled with gloved hands in demanding environments. No gauging or measured torque is required for assembly. The assembly can easily be visually inspected to determine a "go" or "no-go" status. The coupling is compact and relatively light-weight. Because of it's triply interlocking teeth, the connection is rigid. The connection does not primarily rely on clamps, springs or friction based fasteners, and is therefore reliable in fail-safe applications.
- Inventors:
-
- El Cerrito, CA
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE
- OSTI Identifier:
- 988152
- Patent Number(s):
- 7530607
- Application Number:
- 11/327,815
- Assignee:
- OAK
- Patent Classifications (CPCs):
-
E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E04 - BUILDING E04B - GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F16 - ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS F16B - DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS, WEDGES, JOINTS OR JOINTING
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 42 ENGINEERING
Citation Formats
Luft, Peter A. Quick torque coupling. United States: N. p., 2009.
Web.
Luft, Peter A. Quick torque coupling. United States.
Luft, Peter A. Tue .
"Quick torque coupling". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/988152.
@article{osti_988152,
title = {Quick torque coupling},
author = {Luft, Peter A},
abstractNote = {A coupling for mechanically connecting modular tubular struts of a positioning apparatus or space frame, comprising a pair of toothed rings (10, 12) attached to separate strut members (16), the teeth (18, 20) of the primary rings (10, 12) mechanically interlocking in both an axial and circumferential manner, and a third part comprising a sliding, toothed collar (14) the teeth (22) of which interlock the teeth (18, 20) of the primary rings (10, 12), preventing them from disengaging, and completely locking the assembly together. A secondary mechanism provides a nesting force for the collar, and/or retains it. The coupling is self-contained and requires no external tools for installation, and can be assembled with gloved hands in demanding environments. No gauging or measured torque is required for assembly. The assembly can easily be visually inspected to determine a "go" or "no-go" status. The coupling is compact and relatively light-weight. Because of it's triply interlocking teeth, the connection is rigid. The connection does not primarily rely on clamps, springs or friction based fasteners, and is therefore reliable in fail-safe applications.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue May 12 00:00:00 EDT 2009},
month = {Tue May 12 00:00:00 EDT 2009}
}