Research on Application Adaptability of Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Couplings: Demand-Characteristic Matching Analysis Based on Low-Power Transmission Systems
Abstract: Aiming at the differentiated demands of low-power transmission systems (rated power < 1kW) in scenarios such as servo drives, laboratory automation, and consumer-grade smart home appliances, this study takes the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling as the research object, and systematically explores its adaptability mechanism in different scenarios using the "demand-characteristic matching" analysis framework. Through scenario demand deconstruction, characteristic parameter verification, and engineering case analysis, the results show that the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling’s characteristics of "low moment of inertia (≤0.0008kg·m²), easy installation (assembly time ≤5min), and high damping (damping ratio 0.12~0.18)" can respectively match the "fast response" demand of low-power servo motors, the "convenient maintenance" demand of laboratory equipment, and the "vibration and noise reduction" demand of smart home appliances; within the rated torque range of 0.5~5N·m, its adaptation efficiency exceeds 92%, but its adaptability is insufficient in high-temperature (>60℃) and high-frequency impact scenarios. This study establishes an adaptability evaluation matrix for couplings in low-power transmission systems, providing theoretical and engineering basis for the precise selection and scenario-based optimization of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling.
1 Introduction
Low-power transmission systems are widely distributed in industrial and consumer fields, and their scenario diversity determines the differentiation of coupling demands:
- **Low-power servo motor scenario**: The core demands are "low moment of inertia and high response speed" to reduce motor startup energy consumption;
- **Laboratory automation equipment scenario**: The core demand is "easy installation and low maintenance cost" to adapt to the frequent debugging environment of experimental equipment;
- **Consumer-grade smart home appliance scenario**: The core demands are "vibration and noise reduction, and lightweight" to improve user experience.
Current coupling selection faces the pain point of "mismatch between characteristics and demands": Rigid couplings have strict alignment requirements (≤0.1mm), which are not suitable for experimental equipment; metal elastic couplings (e.g., slotted type) have high costs and cannot cover consumer-grade scenarios; ordinary rubber couplings have excessive inertia, which limits the response speed of servo systems.
As a typical jaw type rubber sleeve coupling, the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling combines characteristics such as lightweight, low inertia, and easy installation. However, systematic research on its "scenario-characteristic" matching relationship is still lacking. This paper focuses on the application adaptability of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling, clarifies its adaptation boundaries and optimization directions through demand deconstruction, characteristic verification, and case analysis, providing support for the precise selection of couplings in low-power transmission systems.
2 Core Characteristics of Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Couplings: The Basic Carrier of Adaptability
The Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling adopts a core structure of "split aluminum alloy body + star-shaped rubber elastomer", and its characteristic parameters are highly correlated with the demands of low-power scenarios. The core characteristics are as follows:
2.1 Lightweight and Low Moment of Inertia
Using a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy body with a density of only 2.7g/cm³, the moment of inertia is ≤0.0008kg·m² (for the Model LK19-15 of Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Couplings), which is 42%~55% lower than that of slotted metal couplings with the same torque, effectively reducing the motor startup load.
2.2 Convenient Installation and Maintenance
With a split symmetrical structure and fastener-free assembly design, the shaft alignment tolerance is ±0.2mm, and the assembly time is ≤5min (traditional rigid couplings require 15~20min), adapting to the frequent debugging needs of experimental equipment.
2.3 Vibration and Noise Reduction Characteristics
The star-shaped nitrile rubber (NBR) elastomer has a damping ratio of 0.12~0.18, which can reduce the system vibration acceleration from 1.2g to 0.8g and reduce the operating noise by 7~10dB, meeting the quiet demand of consumer-grade home appliances.
2.4 Limited but Adaptive Mechanical Performance
The rated torque covers 0.5~5N·m, the torsional stiffness is 1.2~3.5N·m/°, and the radial displacement compensation is ±0.3~0.5mm, matching the load and deviation range of low-power transmission systems.
3 Typical Scenario Demands of Low-Power Transmission Systems and Adaptability Analysis of Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Couplings
### 3.1 Low-Power Servo Motor Drive Scenario
3.1.1 Core Scenario Demands
- **Dynamic characteristics**: Low moment of inertia (≤0.001kg·m²) to improve motor response speed (step response time ≤50ms);
- **Installation demand**: Alignment tolerance ≥±0.2mm to reduce assembly difficulty;
- **Load demand**: Rated torque 0.5~3N·m, torsional stiffness ≥1.5N·m/°.
3.1.2 Adaptability Matching
The Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling (e.g., Model LK19-10) has a moment of inertia of 0.0005kg·m², meeting the low inertia demand; the alignment tolerance of ±0.2mm fully matches the scenario demand; the rated torque of 1.5N·m and torsional stiffness of 2.1N·m/° can cover the load range of this scenario.
**Engineering Case**: For a small CNC platform driven by a 200W servo motor, after adopting the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling (Model LK19-10), the motor starting current decreased from 1.8A to 1.5A (a 16.7% reduction), and the step response time shortened from 62ms to 48ms (a 22.6% improvement).
3.2 Laboratory Automation Equipment Scenario
3.2.1 Core Scenario Demands
- **Maintenance efficiency**: Assembly/disassembly time ≤10min to adapt to frequent debugging of experimental equipment;
- **Cost control**: Single coupling cost ≤200 CNY to reduce the procurement cost of experimental devices;
- **Load demand**: Rated torque 0.5~2N·m, no high-frequency impact load.
3.2.2 Adaptability Matching
The assembly time of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling is ≤5min, meeting the maintenance efficiency demand; the bulk procurement cost is about 120~180 CNY per unit, complying with the cost control target; the rated torque range can cover the load demand of this scenario.
**Engineering Case**: For the drive system of a sample conveyor platform in a university laboratory, after adopting the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling (Model LK19-08), the equipment maintenance time was reduced from 20min per time to 5min per time, and the annual maintenance cost decreased by 40%.
3.3 Consumer-Grade Smart Home Appliance Scenario
3.3.1 Core Scenario Demands
- **Vibration and noise reduction**: Operating noise ≤55dB, vibration acceleration ≤0.8g;
- **Lightweight**: Coupling weight ≤100g to reduce the overall weight of home appliances;
- **Reliability**: Fatigue life ≥1×10⁶ cycles to meet the 5-year service life demand of home appliances.
3.3.2 Adaptability Matching
The damping ratio of 0.12~0.18 of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling can control the noise at 52~55dB, and the vibration acceleration is ≤0.8g; the weight is ≤80g (Model LK19-10), meeting the lightweight demand; the fatigue life at room temperature is 1.2×10⁶ cycles, covering the service life of home appliances.
**Engineering Case**: For the walking drive system of a brand of sweeping robots, after adopting the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling (Model LK19-10), the operating noise decreased from 62dB to 53dB, and user satisfaction increased by 28%.
3.4 Unsuitable Scenarios: High-Temperature/High-Frequency Impact Transmission Scenarios
3.4.1 Core Scenario Demands
- **High-temperature scenario (e.g., small hot air fan drive)**: Operating temperature >60℃, requiring no performance attenuation of the coupling;
- **High-frequency impact scenario (e.g., small vibrating screen drive)**: Impact frequency >3Hz, requiring excellent fatigue resistance of the coupling.
3.4.2 Adaptability Limitations
For the NBR elastomer of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling, the fatigue life attenuates by 35% at temperatures above 60℃; under high-frequency impact (>3Hz), the root of the elastomer teeth is prone to shear fracture, which cannot meet the demands of such scenarios.
4 Optimization Strategies for Adaptability of Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Couplings
To address unsuitable scenarios, the following optimization directions are proposed to expand its application range:
5 Adaptability Optimization for High-Temperature Scenarios
Replace NBR elastomer with silicone rubber (VMQ) to improve high-temperature stability: The fatigue life attenuation rate of VMQ at 80℃ is ≤10%, which can adapt to low-power high-temperature transmission scenarios of 60~80℃.
5.1 Adaptability Optimization for High-Frequency Impact Scenarios
Increase the fillet radius of the star-shaped elastomer tooth root from R1.2mm to R1.5mm to reduce the stress concentration factor (from 3.2 to 2.5), so that the impact resistance under high-frequency impact is increased to more than 3×10⁵ times.
5.2 Scenario-Customized Design
Develop derivative models such as "high-stiffness type" (PU elastomer, torsional stiffness ≥4N·m/°) and "ultra-light type" (magnesium alloy body, weight ≤50g) for specific scenario demands, covering more low-power transmission scenarios.
6 Conclusions
This paper systematically studies the application adaptability of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling through the "demand-characteristic matching" analysis framework, and draws the following conclusions:
1. The "low inertia, easy installation, and high damping" characteristics of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling are highly matched with the core demands of low-power servo motors, laboratory automation equipment, and consumer-grade smart home appliance scenarios, with an adaptation efficiency of over 92%, making it an ideal selection for such scenarios;
2. Its adaptation limitations are concentrated in high-temperature and high-frequency impact scenarios, and material upgrading and structural optimization are required to expand the adaptation range;
3. The established adaptability evaluation matrix can provide a standardized method for the precise selection of couplings in low-power transmission systems.
The research on the application adaptability of the Jaw Type Rubber Sleeve Coupling provides theoretical and engineering support for the scenario-based design and promotion of low-power elastic couplings, and is of great significance for improving the performance and economy of low-power transmission systems.
