Balanced composite flexible shaft assembly capable of operating in a tight radius
US4421495A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1982 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/24
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Flexible shaft assembly includes a central flexible shaft having its ends permanently affixed within axial bores provided in a pair of end fittings. The end fittings are also provided with a plurality of outer bores disposed symmetrically around the axial bores for receiving the ends of a plurality of outer flexible shafts. At least one end of an end fitting's outer bores receives the ends of one end of the outer flexible shafts in free-floating relationship enabling the assembly to maintain substantial symmetrical disposition of the shafts even when rotating in a tight radius of curvature while transmitting high torques. Bearing supports however may be required to maintain the rotating flexible shafts along a predetermined tight path. By selecting shafts of proper lay, i.e., right-lay and left-lay, the entire assembly may be substantially torsionally balanced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.