Carrier Bearing Assembly with Adjustable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carrier bearing assemblies in utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) with non-optimal operating angles between universal joints lead to unequal rotational speeds, causing vibrations, stress, and premature failure of driveline components, resulting in reduced efficiency and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A carrier bearing assembly with a bracket and bearing configuration that allows for an auto-set angle between 85-89° or 91-95°, featuring slotted openings for adjustable mounting structures to align with the vehicle frame, reducing the gap between the driveshaft and bearing, and incorporating rubber bushings for vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional carrier bearing assemblies are used with fixed mounting structures, then the assembly structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operating angles between universal joints cannot be optimized, leading to unequal rotational speeds and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structures are made adjustable through slotted openings that allow the bracket to be positioned at different angles relative to the vehicle frame. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of universal joint operating angles to achieve equal rotational speeds and eliminate vibrations, while maintaining a relatively simple overall assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating angles of the universal joints are changed by adjusting the mounting position of the carrier bearing assembly on the vehicle frame. By varying the mounting angle parameter within the slotted openings, the system achieves optimal performance with equal rotational speeds across all shaft segments, resolving the vibration issue.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fixed-angle carrier bearing assemblies are used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but unequal rotational speeds cause increased stress and premature failure of driveline components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mounting structures with slotted openings allow the carrier bearing assembly to be positioned at optimized angles during installation. This ensures equal rotational speeds across universal joints, reducing stress cycles and extending the lifespan of driveline components without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures are pre-designed with slotted openings that accommodate adjustment during installation. This preliminary design feature enables field adjustment to achieve optimal operating angles, ensuring equal rotational speeds and reduced stress on driveline components before the vehicle enters service.
3Ease of operation
If non-optimal operating angles are used to simplify vehicle alignment, then installation is easier, but vibrations and dynamic loading increase, reducing vehicle comfort and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted opening mounting structures provide dynamic adjustability that allows installers to optimize the operating angles of universal joints while maintaining ease of installation. By adjusting the bracket position within the slotted openings, equal rotational speeds are achieved, eliminating vibrations and dynamic loading that would otherwise reduce vehicle comfort and efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces vibrations and stress, ensures consistent rotational speeds, and extends the life of driveline components by aligning operating angles and reducing dynamic loading, leading to smoother vehicle operation and reduced wear.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating rubber bushings for vibration damping
Implementation Method 2
incorporating rubber bushings for vibration damping
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier bearing assembly can include a bracket comprising a first end, a second end, a first face extending between the first end and the second end width, and a second face opposite the first face. An opening can be formed completely through the bracket and extend from the first face to the second face. A bearing can be disposed within the opening and an angle between a centerline of the bearing and a centerline of the bracket can be in a range of 85-89° or 91-95°. First and second mounting structures offset from the opening can be for coupling the carrier bearing assembly to the frame of the UTV, and the centerline of the bracket can pass through a center of the first mounting structure and a center of the second mounting structure.