CV Joint Boot with Zipper and Rolled Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boot devices for constant velocity joints are not designed to be easily replaced without removing the joint from a vehicle, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and potential contamination of the zipper mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A boot device with a longitudinal cut and a metallic zipper that can be selectively placed around a constant velocity joint, featuring rolled-up free ends to prevent contamination and facilitate easy installation and removal, made from fluid-impermeable and flexible materials like rubber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the boot is designed as a complete circular cover, then it provides complete protection for the constant velocity joint, but it cannot be installed or replaced without removing the joint from the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidprotection coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The boot is segmented by introducing a longitudinal cut that extends partially around the circumference, dividing the continuous circular boot into two separable halves that can be opened and closed like a book, enabling installation without joint removal while maintaining protective coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the zipper is made accessible for operation, then it facilitates boot installation and removal, but the exposed zipper mechanism becomes susceptible to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezipper accessibilityVSAvoidzipper functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The free ends of the zipper are pre-rolled into protective casings during manufacturing, creating built-in contamination barriers that are applied before the zipper is ever used, preventing dirt and debris from entering the zipper mechanism throughout its service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The zipper free ends are covered by flexible rolled-up portions of the boot material itself, creating a thin-film protective sheath that allows the zipper to operate while preventing contamination from reaching the zipper teeth and slider

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the boot material is made flexible for easy installation, then it accommodates joint movement, but it may compromise structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility during installationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The boot utilizes composite construction combining flexible rubber material for the main body with a metallic zipper insertion, merging the advantages of rubber flexibility with metal strength to achieve both ease of installation and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10036427B2Constant velocity joint boot assembly

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 MARQUEZ JOSE

AI summary

A constant velocity joint boot assembly includes a boot that may be positioned around a constant velocity joint on a vehicle. The boot has a longitudinal cut. Thus, the boot may be selectively placed around the constant velocity joint when the constant velocity joint is mounted to the vehicle. A zipper is coupled to the boot. The zipper closes the boot around the constant velocity joint. The zipper extends beyond the first end of the boot and the second end of the boot to define a pair of free ends of the zipper. Each of the free ends of the zipper is rolled up when the zipper is closed. Thus, the zipper may resist being contaminated thereby enhancing functionally of the zipper over time.