Clutch Ring Travel Limiter for Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the assembly of integrated wheel ends, the external splines on the movable clutch ring may not align with the drive shaft splines, leading to axial forces that can cause the shift fork to fracture or deform due to misalignment, resulting in stress across the radial dimension.
Innovation Solution
A clutch ring abutment feature is introduced, independent of the coupler, to limit axial movement of the movable clutch ring during assembly, using modified grease retainer rings, clutch ring abutment rings, or annular spacers to prevent axial movement and reduce stress on the shift fork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the clutch ring is allowed to move axially freely during assembly, then the splines can self-align, but the shift fork may fracture or deform due to misalignment forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing preliminary axial support to the clutch ring through the abutment feature (such as a modified grease retainer ring, clutch ring abutment ring, or annular spacer) before the final tightening of the retention nut. This preliminary support prevents the harmful axial displacement and misalignment forces from developing during assembly, thereby protecting the shift fork from fracture or deformation while still allowing proper spline engagement.
2Reliability
If a retention nut is tightened to secure the clutch ring, then the assembly is secured, but misaligned splines can cause axial forces that damage the shift fork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the clutch ring in the correct axial location using the abutment feature before the retention nut is tightened. This preliminary positioning ensures that the splines are properly aligned and that the clutch ring cannot shift axially during the tightening process, thereby eliminating the harmful axial forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the shift fork while still achieving secure assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the shift fork is used to position the clutch ring, then mechanical movement is provided, but the shift fork is vulnerable to stresses during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary abutment feature (such as a modified grease retainer ring, clutch ring abutment ring, or annular spacer) that acts as a mediator between the clutch ring and the rest of the assembly. This intermediary component provides the necessary axial positioning and support for the clutch ring during assembly, thereby protecting the shift fork from harmful stresses while still allowing the shift fork to perform its intended function of providing mechanical movement for clutch ring displacement.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated wheel end which includes a movable clutch ring for selective engagement between an engaged and disengaged position for transferring driving torque from a drive shaft to the wheel end. The integrated wheel end incorporates a clutch ring abutment feature or travel limiter configured to position the movable clutch ring relative to a coupler on the wheel end during assembly with the drive shaft.