Dynamic reversible multi-cross section universal modular driveline coupler

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12178166-B2
Application number	US-202318206182-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 6, 2023
Priority date	Jun 5, 2020
Publication date	Dec 31, 2024
Grant date	Dec 31, 2024

Abstract

Apparatus and method for an improved driveline coupler having a reversible saddle thereon which allows it to be configured to work with different sizes and shapes of shafts. The reversible saddle is configured on one side to work with one size of driveline shaft and configured on the opposite side to work with a different size driveline shaft so that, in the field, an operator can modify the driveline coupler from use with a first size of drive shaft to a second size of drive shaft easily and quickly by turning the saddle upside down.

First claim

I claim:

1. A driveline coupler for a sprinkler irrigation system, comprising:
a) a first load arm disposed on a first end of said driveline coupler connected to a first shaft;
a second load arm disposed on a second end of said driveline coupler connected to a second shaft;
c) a reversible saddle mounted on a portion of at least one of either said first or second load arm;
d) wherein said reversible saddle is of one piece construction and has an upper side and a lower side, wherein said upper side has a concave shaped recess and is sized for a first size of either said first or second shaft and said lower side has grooves forming a recessed flat surface and is sized for a second size of either said first or second shaft; and
e) wherein when said saddle is reversed to an upside down position it is adapted for use with different sizes and shapes of drive shafts.

2. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , wherein either said first or second shaft is selected from the group consisting of a round shaft, a rectangular shaft, a triangular shaft, and an octagonal shaft.

3. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , wherein said reversible saddle has a hole therein capable of receiving a retainer bolt.

4. The driveline coupler of claim 3 , further comprising a retainer bolt disposed in said hole.

5. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , further comprising a center pin disposed in at least one of either said first or second load arm.

6. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , further comprising a PUC disposed between said first and second load arms, said PUC being made of material designed to absorb shock between said first and second load arms during startup of said sprinkler irrigation system.

7. The driveline coupler of claim 6 , further comprising a centering protrusion mounted on at least one of said first and second load arms.

8. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , wherein said driveline coupling is shimless to permit said driveline coupler to be more easily configured to accommodate drive shafts of differing shapes and sizes.

9. The driveline coupler of claim 1 , wherein said reversible saddle further comprises a pair of projections each having an angular surface thereon to accommodate drive shafts of differing shapes and sizes.

10. A driveline coupler for a sprinkler irrigation system, comprising:
a) a first load arm disposed on one end of said driveline coupler for receiving an output drive shaft from a source of power and a second load arm disposed on an opposite end of said driveline coupler for delivering power to a wheel drive shaft of a wheel assembly of said sprinkler irrigation system;
b) said first load arm having an opening for receiving said output drive shaft from said source of power;
c) said second load arm having an opening for receiving said wheel drive shaft;
d) a reversible saddle mounted on a portion of at least one said openings of either said first or second load arm;
e) wherein said reversible saddle is of one piece construction and has an upper side and a lower side, wherein said upper side has a concave shaped recess and is sized for a first size of either said first or second shaft and said lower side has grooves forming a recessed flat surface and is sized for a second size of either said first or second shaft; and
f) wherein when said saddle is reversed to in an upside down position it is used with preselected different sizes and shapes of drive shafts.

11. The driveline coupler of claim 10 , wherein either said output drive shaft or said wheel drive shaft is selected from the group consisting of a round shaft, a rectangular shaft, a triangular shaft, and an octagonal shaft.

12. The driveline coupler of claim 10 , wherein said reversible saddle is capable of being broken if the driveline is overloaded.

Assignees

• Santiesteban Theodore George
• Valmont Industries

Inventors

• Santiesteban Theodore George

Classifications

• F16D2001/102

  the torque is transmitted via polygon shaped connections · CPC title

• F16D3/68

  the elements being made of rubber or similar material · CPC title

• F16D1/104

  having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting only by friction · CPC title

• F16D1/0864

  due to tangential loading of the hub, e.g. a split hub · CPC title

• F16D1/0847

  with radial clamping due to a radial screw · CPC title