Constant Velocity Joint Cage Structure for Longer Plunging Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional constant velocity joint assemblies face challenges in achieving increased plunging distance without compromising strength, durability, and cost efficiency, leading to heavier and more expensive designs.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly design featuring a cage member with adjustable engagement portions and a grease cover that allows for varying plunging distances, enabling customizable and cost-effective solutions while maintaining strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the windows in the cage are increased in size to increase plunging distance, then the plunging distance is improved, but the amount of material between windows decreases which reduces strength and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple segments or sections with reinforcement ribs strategically positioned to provide structural support. This segmentation allows the windows to be larger for increased plunging distance while the ribs maintain cage strength by dividing the structure into load-bearing sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement ribs are added to specific localized areas of the cage where structural support is needed most. This allows the cage to have varying wall thicknesses - thinner in non-critical areas to allow larger windows for plunging, and thicker with ribs in critical areas to maintain overall strength and durability.
2Strength
If the diameters of various components are increased to provide a cage with desired strength for larger plunging distance, then the strength and durability are improved, but the assembly becomes heavier and has increased packaging size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the diameter of all cage components, reinforcement ribs are strategically placed only in the specific areas where additional strength is required. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary structural support for larger plunging distance while minimizing the overall increase in component diameters and resulting weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure is segmented with reinforcement ribs that provide strength where needed without requiring a complete increase in overall component diameters. This segmented approach to strengthening allows the assembly to maintain lighter weight compared to a uniform thickening of all components.
3Length of moving object
If the diameters of various components are increased to accommodate larger plunging distance, then the plunging distance is improved, but the packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement ribs are added locally to the cage structure rather than increasing the overall outer dimensions of the cage. This allows the cage to accommodate larger plunging distances internally while maintaining the same external packaging footprint, as the ribs are internal structural features.
4Length of moving object
If conventional cage designs are used to achieve larger plunging distance, then the plunging distance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is designed with segmentation features and reinforcement ribs that can be efficiently manufactured using standard injection molding techniques. The segmented design with ribs allows for larger plunging distance while utilizing conventional manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for expensive custom fabrication methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly and method of utilizing the same. The joint assembly includes a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by using one or more third joint members. At least a portion of a cage member is interposed between the first and second joint members. When the first joint member is plunged in a first direction, at least a portion of one or more first engagement portions of the first joint member are in direct contact with at least a portion of one or more first engagement portions of the cage member. When the first joint member is plunged in a second direction, opposite the first direction, at least a portion of one or more second engagement portions of the first joint member are in direct contact with at least a portion of one or more second engagement portions of the cage member.