Interlocking, self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler assembly

摘要

A self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler assembly includes an outer coupler coupled to a first shaft of and an inner coupler coupled to a second shaft. The outer coupler comprises an inner surface having primary and secondary alignment and torque transmitting features, and the inner coupler comprises an outer surface having primary and secondary alignment features. The primary and secondary alignment features are configured to interlock and facilitate alignment of the first and second shafts along a common axis in an exemplary application of a foundation support system.

主权项

1. A coupler assembly for connecting a first shaft to a second shaft, the coupler assembly comprising:
an outer coupler configured to be coupled to the first shaft, the outer coupler comprising an inner surface formed with at least one primary alignment feature and at least one secondary alignment feature; and an inner coupler configured to be coupled to the second shaft, the inner coupler comprising an outer surface formed with at least one primary alignment feature and at least one secondary alignment feature; wherein the primary and secondary alignment features of the outer coupler are respectively configured to engage the primary and secondary alignment features of the inner coupler when the outer surface of the inner coupler and the inner surface of the outer coupler are assembled and engaged, wherein when the inner coupler and outer coupler are engaged, an interlocking torque transmission structure is established between the inner and outer coupler, wherein each of the primary and secondary alignment features of the inner coupler and the outer coupler comprises one of a projection and a recess, wherein the at least one primary alignment feature of each of the inner coupler and outer coupler is circumferentially offset from at least one secondary alignment feature in each of the inner coupler and the outer coupler.