How Gear Couplings Handle Misalignment

Misalignment is the single most destructive issue affecting torque transmission. It severely compromises the performance of rotating machinery, reducing the overall efficiency. While gears and splined shafts are commonly relied upon for torque transmission, there is one particular component that is equally important. We are talking about gear couplings. True Gear & Spline Ltd. in Cambridge, Ontario, manufactures the best couplings. In this blog, we discuss what exactly a gear coupling is and how it effectively handles misalignments.

 

 

Our Gear Couplings Facilitate Seamless Torque Transmission 

Gear and sleeve couplings are designed to connect two rotating shafts and prevent energy loss. The couplings are flexible, making them perfect for handling angular, parallel, and axial misalignments. It is natural for rotating shafts to have a certain level of misalignment. The reasons could include manufacturing defects, wear and tear, thermal expansion, and other factors. The use of couplings is generally limited to high-torque applications.

 

The Science Behind Gear Coupling’s Effectiveness

Discussing the components of a coupling is crucial to understanding its effectiveness.

 

Components of a Coupling:  

- Sleeve: A sleeve is a crucial component of a coupling. It has internal teeth and comes in various types, including rigid, flexible, and spacer. 

- Hub: A hub has external teeth and mates with the internal teeth of the sleeves. 

- O-ring: Strategically placed at the end of gear hubs, O-rings prevent lubricant leakage in couplings. 

- Fasteners: Bolts or fasteners are used to keep all the gear coupling components together. A coupling consists of two halves held together by high-strength bolts.

 

How Does Gear Coupling Function? 

- Angular deflection between the hubs and sleeves allows couplings to tolerate angular misalignments. The angular deflection can be attributed to the coupling’s crown profile. 

- The lateral freedom within the tooth clearance allows gear couplings to accommodate parallel or radial misalignments.

- Accommodation of axial movements by the couplings can again be attributed to the crowned teeth profile. This profile enables axial movement between the mating components of the coupling and ensures they stay in contact, without sliding away completely.

 

Conclusion

True Gear & Spline Ltd. is a one-stop destination for all your torque transmission requirements. Call 519-653-1301 to get a free quote or place an order today! We also manufacture bevel, helical, worm, and spur gears. The use of CNC machining allows us to ensure precise tolerances.