Rotating shaft coupling assembly

Abstract

A rotating shaft coupling assembly includes a first rotating shaft defining a step at a longitudinal end. A second rotating shaft has a longitudinal end to be received against the step of the first rotating shaft such that the first and second rotating shafts form an overlapping portion. A coupler sleeve including a shape memory alloy is disposed about at least the overlapping portion of the first and second rotating shafts to couple the shafts together.

1 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly comprising: 
 a first rotating shaft defining a step at a longitudinal end;    a second rotating shaft having a longitudinal end to be received against the step of the first rotating shaft such that the first and second rotating shafts form an overlapping portion; and    a coupler sleeve fabricated from a shape memory alloy disposed about at least the overlapping portion of the first and second rotating shafts to couple the shafts together.    
   
   
       2 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first rotating shaft defines a first hole therethrough, and the second rotating shaft defines a second hole therethrough such that the holes are axially aligned with one another for receiving a connector pin through the holes.  
   
   
       3 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first rotating shaft is an integrated starter/generator shaft, and the second rotating shaft is a high pressure compressor shaft.  
   
   
       4 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the coupler sleeve is made from a nickel titanium shape memory alloy.  
   
   
       5 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the coupler sleeve is made from a Tinel shape memory alloy.  
   
   
       6 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the coupler sleeve is configured to retain the connector pin, and to ensure that a radial fit between the first and second rotating shafts is maintained.  
   
   
       7 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the coupler sleeve defines at least one circumferential rib for axial location and retention of the coupler sleeve relative to the first and second rotating shafts.  
   
   
       8 . A rotating shaft coupling assembly as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the coupler sleeve defines at least one circumferential rib for axial location and retention of the coupler sleeve relative to the first and second rotating shafts.