High friction factor keeps couplings compact

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 6, 2004

The Hycon connecting coupling offers more than twice the friction factor of conventional devices, allowing great savings in size and weight.

The Hycon connecting coupling essentially comprises a tapered clamping sleeve and a conic hub.

The hub is pushed onto the sleeve cone by means of hydraulic pressure, generating some radial pressure.

The friction factor determines the transmissible torque.

Whereas conventional couplings produce a mathematical friction factor of 0.14, the Hycon coupling realises 0.3, meaning more than twice the friction factor.

The significance for the user is the capability to transmit higher torques using a substantially smaller component.

This compact design improves the torsional vibration properties which has some positive impact on the drive line.

The shipbuilding market, in particular, is an ideal market for the Hycon, where its low mass (40% or more lighter than alternatives) offers great advantages in terms of manoeuvrability and driving speed.

The coupling system is used in a vessel's drive line between the engine and propeller or water jet.