Product Description
A beam coupling, also known as helical coupling, is a flexible coupling for transmitting torque between 2 shafts while allowing for angular misalignment, parallel offset and even axial motion, of 1 shaft relative to the other. This design utilizes a single piece of material and becomes flexible by removal of material along a spiral path resulting in a curved flexible beam of helical shape. Since it is made from a single piece of material, the Beam Style coupling does not exhibit thebacklash found in some multi-piece couplings. Another advantage of being an all machined coupling is the possibility to incorporate features into the final product while still keep the single piece integrity.
Changes to the lead of the helical beam provide changes to misalignment capabilities as well as other performance characteristics such as torque capacity and torsional stiffness. It is even possible to have multiple starts within the same helix.
The material used to manufacture the beam coupling also affects its performance and suitability for specific applications such as food, medical and aerospace. Materials are typically aluminum alloy and stainless steel, but they can also be made in acetal, maraging steel and titanium. The most common applications are attaching encoders to shafts and motion control for robotics.
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| Type | Description | Bore(mm) |
| BR | D18L25 | 4~6.35 |
| D20L25 | 4~8 | |
| D25L30 | 5~12 | |
| D32L40 | 8~16 | |
| DR | D12L19 | 3~6 |
| D16L24 | 3~6.35 | |
| D18L25 | 3~10 | |
| D25L30 | 5~14 | |
| BE | D16L23 | 3~6 |
| D18L25 | 3~6.35 | |
| D20L26 | 4~8 | |
| D25L31 | 5~12 | |
| D32L41 | 6~16 |
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Simultaneous Handling of Axial Motion and Angular Misalignment by Beam Couplings
Beam couplings are designed to handle both axial motion and angular misalignment simultaneously in motion control systems. Their unique helical beam design allows them to accommodate various types of misalignment, providing flexibility in multiple axes. Let’s explore how beam couplings achieve this:
1. Axial Motion:
Beam couplings can compensate for axial motion, which occurs when the two connected shafts are not collinear and have some linear offset along their common axis. The helical beams of the coupling can elongate or compress to absorb the axial movement between the shafts. This axial flexibility enables the coupling to maintain a continuous and efficient connection even when the shafts experience slight linear displacement.
2. Angular Misalignment:
Angular misalignment refers to the situation where the two shafts are not perfectly aligned and are at an angle to each other. Beam couplings handle angular misalignment by allowing the helical beams to flex, bending at an angle to accommodate the misaligned shafts. The flexible beams can twist and adjust their shape as needed, providing a reliable connection between the shafts and transmitting torque efficiently.
3. Simultaneous Handling:
What makes beam couplings advantageous is their ability to handle both axial motion and angular misalignment simultaneously. As the shafts experience angular misalignment, the helical beams can flex to compensate for the misalignment angle. At the same time, if there is any axial motion between the shafts, the beams can elongate or compress to absorb the linear offset. This simultaneous handling of axial motion and angular misalignment allows beam couplings to maintain smooth operation and effective torque transmission even in applications with complex misalignment requirements.
It is essential to select the appropriate size and type of beam coupling based on the specific application’s misalignment characteristics and torque requirements. Properly installed and maintained beam couplings can provide reliable and efficient performance, ensuring accurate motion control and extended system life.
Beam Couplings for Specific Industries and Specialized Applications
Yes, there are beam couplings specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of various industries and specialized applications. Manufacturers offer a wide range of beam coupling options with different materials, designs, and features tailored to specific use cases. Here are some examples of beam couplings designed for specific industries and applications:
- Food and Beverage Industry:
Beam couplings used in the food and beverage industry are typically made from stainless steel or food-grade materials to meet strict hygiene standards. These couplings are resistant to corrosion, easy to clean, and comply with FDA and USDA regulations. They are commonly found in conveyor systems, packaging equipment, and food processing machinery.
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry:
Beam couplings used in medical and pharmaceutical applications are designed to meet stringent cleanliness and precision requirements. They are often made from materials like stainless steel or plastic, ensuring biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization processes. These couplings are used in medical robots, imaging equipment, and precision medical devices.
- Aerospace and Defense Industry:
Beam couplings for aerospace and defense applications must withstand extreme environments, high accelerations, and vibrations. They are commonly made from lightweight yet strong materials like aluminum or high-performance alloys. These couplings are used in aircraft control systems, satellite components, and defense equipment.
- Robotics:
Beam couplings used in robotics require high torsional stiffness and low inertia to optimize robotic performance. They are often made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. These couplings are used in robotic joints and end-effectors to achieve precise and rapid motion.
- Automotive Industry:
Beam couplings in the automotive industry need to handle high torque loads and provide reliable power transmission. They are commonly made from steel or aluminum to balance strength and weight. These couplings are used in automotive steering systems, transmissions, and engine components.
- Renewable Energy:
Beam couplings used in renewable energy applications, such as wind turbines and solar tracking systems, are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide precise motion control. They are often made from materials with good corrosion resistance. These couplings help optimize energy production and enhance system efficiency.
Additionally, there are beam couplings designed for specialized applications, such as vacuum environments, cleanrooms, or underwater operations. These couplings have specific features to address the challenges of their respective applications, ensuring reliable performance in their intended environments.
Manufacturers of beam couplings offer a wide selection of standard and custom designs to cater to the diverse needs of different industries and specialized applications. When choosing a beam coupling, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of the application to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Beam Coupling: Function and Role in Mechanical Systems
A beam coupling, also known as a helical coupling or helical beam coupling, is a type of flexible coupling used in mechanical systems to connect two shafts while compensating for misalignment and transmitting torque. It consists of one or more helical beams (usually made of metal) that connect the shafts and allow for angular, axial, and parallel misalignment while maintaining a torsionally rigid connection. Here’s how a beam coupling functions in mechanical systems:
Structure:
A beam coupling typically has two ends, each with a helical beam. The beams are oriented at opposite angles to create a helix shape. The beams can vary in number, and some designs may include additional features like slits or keyways to enhance flexibility or improve torque capacity.
Misalignment Compensation:
When the two shafts connected by a beam coupling are misaligned, the helical beams flex, allowing the coupling to compensate for different types of misalignment. Angular misalignment occurs when the shafts are not collinear, axial misalignment when they are not on the same axis, and parallel misalignment when the shafts are not at the same height. The flexibility of the helical beams allows the coupling to accommodate these misalignments, reducing the stresses on the connected components.
Torque Transmission:
The helical beams of a beam coupling efficiently transmit torque from one shaft to the other. The beams twist and deform slightly under the applied torque but return to their original shape once the torque is removed. This torsional rigidity ensures that the coupling efficiently transfers rotational power while minimizing backlash and maintaining accurate positioning in motion control systems.
Damping and Vibration Absorption:
Beam couplings can provide some level of vibration dampening due to their inherent flexibility. The slight deformation of the beams can absorb shocks and vibrations, reducing the transmission of vibrations between the connected shafts.
Applications:
Beam couplings find applications in various mechanical systems, including robotics, CNC machines, stepper motor drives, and other motion control systems. They are especially useful in applications that require moderate misalignment compensation, high torsional rigidity, and low backlash.
Considerations:
While beam couplings offer several advantages, they do have some limitations. They may not be suitable for applications with high misalignment requirements or high torque loads, as excessive misalignment or torque can cause premature wear or failure of the coupling. Additionally, beam couplings may have limited axial stiffness, making them less suitable for applications with significant axial loads.
In summary, a beam coupling is a flexible coupling with helical beams that allows for misalignment compensation, efficient torque transmission, and some vibration dampening. Its design and flexibility make it an excellent choice for various mechanical systems, particularly those that require moderate misalignment compensation and high torsional rigidity.
editor by CX 2024-04-12