CV Joint Cage Input Member Torque Transmission Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CV joint connections on transmission units are bulky and heavy due to the need for large bolts and dowels to transmit high torque, making them unsuitable for high-performance, lightweight, or compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A CV joint assembly with a cage and gear that separates torque transmission and retention using drive members with dogs and recesses, where fastening means like bolts or nuts secure the connection without transmitting torque, allowing for lightweight fastening and minimal axial force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolts and dowels are used to retain and transmit torque in a CV joint connection, then the connection is secure and torque is transmitted, but the physical size and mass of the complete joint system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the conventional single-function bolt/dowel system into two separate functional systems: (1) a retention system using light fastening means (bolts or clips) that only secure the cage to the input member, and (2) a torque transmission system using drive members with drive faces that transmit torque independently. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, enabling lightweight fastening means while maintaining secure connection and adequate torque transmission capability.
2Force
If larger bolts and dowels are used to transmit high torque, then torque transmission capacity increases, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates torque transmission from the fastening system by introducing dedicated drive members with drive faces on the cage and input member. The fastening means (bolts or clips) are simplified to perform only retention, while torque transmission is handled by the mechanically engaged drive faces of the drive members. This reduces fastening system complexity and allows for more compact installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the fastening means (bolts/dowels) to transmit torque as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by using dedicated drive members with interlocking drive faces for torque transmission. The fastening means are inverted to perform only their retention function, which is mechanically simpler and requires less complex design.
3Strength
If the fastening means are made stronger to handle high torque applications, then torque transmission is improved, but the weight and size of the fastening components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functional requirements so that fastening means only need to provide retention strength, not torque transmission strength. The torque transmission function is transferred to the drive members with their drive faces. This allows the use of lightweight fastening components (such as clips or thin-walled bolts) that would be insufficient in conventional designs but are adequate here because they don't need to transmit torque.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a CV joint and an input member is disclosed. The CV joint that has a cage and a gear between which rotational drive can be transmitted. The input member is connected to the cage of the CV joint for transmission of rotational drive about an axis from an external component to the CV joint. The rotational drive is transmitted between the cage and the input member through interacting drive faces that are disposed in a plane that is generally parallel to the axis. The cage and the input member are retained in interconnection by fastening means that are not responsible for transmission of rotational drive between the cage and the input member. By separating the task of transmission of torque and retention of the connection between the cage and the input member, the fastening means required to perform the latter task can be comparatively light. An increase in torque capacity of the CV joint assembly does not lead to a corresponding increase in the strength requirement of such fastening means. The orientation of the drive faces ensures that there is minimal axial force between the cage and the input member.