Cardan Joint Protector Deflecting Road Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cardan joints in vehicle steering systems are prone to degradation due to road debris, which can embed and increase turning effort, necessitating a solution to deflect debris effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cardan joint protector device featuring a U-shaped bracket with an arcuate portion and elongated plate extensions that cover needle bearings and attach to a gear clamp yoke, deflecting debris and protecting the cardan joint assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cardan joint is used in a vehicle steering system, then the steering function is achieved, but road debris can strike and degrade the cardan joint, increasing turning effort
Solution Approach 1:
A protector device is introduced as an intermediary component between the road debris and the cardan joint. The protector includes a U-shaped bracket with plate portions that extend to cover the needle bearings, creating a physical barrier that deflects debris away from the cardan joint components while allowing the joint to perform its steering function
Solution Approach 2:
The protector device is segmented into multiple functional parts: a U-shaped bracket with arcuate portion and end portions, elongated plate portions extending from the end portions, and attachment portions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific protective function while maintaining overall structural integrity and adaptability to the cardan joint geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A cardan joint assembly and a cardan joint protector device are provided. The device includes a U-shaped bracket having an arcuate-shaped portion and first and second end portions extending from opposite ends of the arcuate-shaped portion. The first and second end portions have first and second apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The device further includes a first elongated plate portion extending from the first end portion of the U-shaped bracket and further extending generally outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis. The first elongated plate portion at least partially covers a needle bearing of a cardan joint. The device further includes an attachment portion attached to a top edge of the first elongated plate portion that has a distal end that is disposed in a groove of a gear clamp yoke of the cardan joint.