CV Joint Boot Restrictor for Axial Displacement Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing constant velocity joints face issues with undesired displacement of the inner joint member from the outer joint member during installation, handling, maintenance, or operation, leading to potential separation and damage to components.

Innovation Solution

A joint assembly with a boot that incorporates restrictors extending into the tracks of the outer joint member, which engage with the torque-transmitting elements to prevent undesired axial movement of the inner joint member, thereby minimizing manufacturing complexity and enhancing maintenance ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external restriction plates, retention rings, or material staking are used to prevent undesired displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of undesired displacementVSAvoidcomplexity of restriction features

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restrictor is integrated into the boot structure, merging the protective boot function with the displacement restriction function into a single component. This eliminates separate restriction plates, retention rings, or staking features, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The boot structure itself provides the restriction function through its inherent geometry and material properties. The restrictor is formed as part of the boot, allowing the boot to serve dual purposes: protecting the joint assembly and preventing undesired displacement of the inner joint member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If external restriction features are added to the joint assembly, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of undesired displacementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the restrictor with the boot, the number of separate components is reduced. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces part count, and lowers assembly costs while maintaining the reliability benefit of displacement prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restrictor is formed from the boot material itself, utilizing the existing protective covering rather than adding expensive separate restriction components. This approach provides reliable displacement prevention at minimal additional manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If restriction features are added to the joint assembly, then reliability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of undesired displacementVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the restrictor into the boot creates a unified component that simplifies maintenance procedures. When maintenance is required, the entire boot-restrictor assembly can be inspected and replaced as a single unit, eliminating the need to handle separate restriction features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If separate restriction components are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of component separationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boot and restrictor are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts in the joint assembly. This integration maintains the reliability function of preventing component separation while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12234865B2Joint assembly with restriction feature

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A joint assembly comprising a hollow outer joint member including a wall forming an open end and a closed end, the outer joint member having a plurality of tracks in its inner surface. An inner joint member received in the outer joint member and plurality of torque-transmitting elements, whereby the plurality of torque-transmitting elements rotationally engage with the inner joint member and the tracks of the outer joint member. Each track comprises two opposing side walls and a torque-transmitting element engages these side walls of the outer joint member and is configured to move in an axial direction along the side walls. Furthermore, a boot covering the open end of the outer joint member and at least one restrictor configured to engage at least one of the plurality of torque-transmitting elements to militate against undesired displacement of the inner joint member with respect to the outer joint member.