Oil-less shaft coupling utilizing carbon-carbon composite and method of fabrication thereof
US6705946B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7026
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shaft coupling is made from carbon-carbon composite to achieve significantly higher temperature capability, combined with lubricity and high strength, allowing its use in hot, non-lubricated sections of gas turbine engines, where previously, these couplings could not be used. The coupler may be cylindrical for joining the facing ends of co-axial shafts is made from carbon-carbon composite with a female spline in a coupling bore and a male spline on the coupling outer surface. Variations of the torque carrying geometry include involute splines, circular splines, square drive, hex drives, serrations, or double-D drives. By fabricating the coupler from carbon-carbon (or carbon-graphite) composite, metallic shaft mating splines are provided with a coupler that has exceptionally high temperature capabilities (>2500 F.), high strength, and can be impregnated with graphite or other dry lubricants to reduce frictional heat generation and reduce spline wear. The useful temperature limit of the coupler may preferably exceed that of the mating shaft ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.