Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
(OP)
I am looking at a unique application where I am planning on using ball bearings to transmit torque between two mating shafts. I have uploaded a picture of the general idea. (Forgive me the picture was done quickly with paint.) There is only one ball in the picture but this will be copied several times around the shaft in a circular pattern. Also, the reason for this design is to transmit torque while allowing the "beige" outer shaft to move freely along its its own axis.
My question is two fold.
1. Has anyone dealt with an application that is similar to this? Would you mind sharing your experience?
2. Would this best be considered at a spherical keyway of sorts, when measuring torque capacity?
My question is two fold.
1. Has anyone dealt with an application that is similar to this? Would you mind sharing your experience?
2. Would this best be considered at a spherical keyway of sorts, when measuring torque capacity?





RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
It will lock itself tight against axial movement when torque is applied.
Google "overrunning clutch" to understand why.
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
If you really want to guarantee that the thing will plunge when loaded consider just using a spider between the two shafts.
Splines don't easily plunge under load either.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
https://sdp-si.com/eStore/Direct.asp?GroupID=844
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
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Assembling it so that the balls start in the middle of the travel might be tricky.
RE: Ball Bearing Mech. Coupling
Tmoose, The ball spline looks like exactly what I want to do, I didn't realize there was so much info on it, I guess you just need to get the right vocabulary and google then tends to be a big help.
Cheers!