CV Housing Lock Pin Mechanism for Removable Transaxle Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles face challenges in improving the mechanical strength and performance of drivetrain and suspension systems while reducing mechanical complexity, particularly when traversing rough terrain.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity housing lock system is introduced, featuring a splined shaft with a snap-ring and lock pin mechanism that allows for secure coupling and decoupling with a transaxle using an actuator, enabling torque transfer and accommodating vertical pivoting motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant velocity housing is permanently retained in the transaxle, then mechanical strength and reliability are improved, but adaptability and ease of repair are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from a fixed permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The snap-ring provides permanent retention during normal operation, while the lock pin and actuator enable temporary disengagement when repair or replacement is needed, allowing the system to adapt between these two states.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin acts as an intermediary component between the snap-ring and the actuator. It translates the rotational motion of the actuator into linear motion that expands or contracts the snap-ring, enabling controlled engagement and disengagement of the housing from the transaxle.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the housing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single actuator component. The actuator simultaneously engages/disengages the lock pin, which in turn expands/contracts the snap-ring, providing both locking and retention functions through one integrated mechanism rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-ring's elastic properties enable it to automatically expand and contract in response to the lock pin's motion, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring-loaded nature of the snap-ring provides self-regulating retention force.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity housing is provided to couple a plunging CV joint with a transaxle. The constant velocity comprises an elongate housing configured to retain the plunging CV joint and a splined shaft configured to engage with a transaxle. A locking system removably retains the splined shaft within the transaxle. The locking system comprises a lock pin in mechanical communication with pins slidably retained within radial holes disposed in the splined shaft underneath a snap-ring. An actuator moves the lock pin to push the pins to operably change a diameter of the snap-ring. When the actuator is loosened, the snap-ring constricts to a diameter less than the diameter of the splined shaft, allowing removal of the splined shaft from the transaxle. When the actuator is fully tightened, the snap-ring assumes a diameter greater than the diameter of the splined shaft, such that the spline shaft remains engaged with the transaxle.