Constant Velocity Joint Connecting System Radial Stop Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting a shaft to a joint face issues with axial resistance during assembly, risk of retaining ring failure under high forces, increased weight and space requirements, and complex assembly processes, leading to potential leakage and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates radial stop sections in the sleeve and shaft journal to secure the retaining ring in place, preventing axial movement and ensuring correct orientation, while a sealing ring protects against environmental contaminants, and a torque profiling for reliable force transmission, allowing for a lightweight, space-efficient, and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining ring is used to secure the shaft in the joint, then axial retention is achieved, but the retaining ring may jump out under high insertion forces and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radial stop section that extends axially into the hollow inner hub, positioned before the retaining ring's engagement point. This stop section acts as a pre-positioned barrier that limits the shaft's axial insertion depth, preventing the retaining ring from being forced out under high insertion forces. The cushioning effect is built into the structure beforehand, eliminating the risk of retaining ring failure during assembly.
2Reliability
If an external flange is added to prevent axial penetration, then shaft positioning is improved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding an external flange that protrudes outward, the patent nests the radial stop section within the hollow inner hub itself. The stop section is formed as an integral part of the hub's internal structure, extending radially inward to create the stopping barrier. This nested approach achieves the same axial positioning function without adding external mass, thereby maintaining lightweight construction while ensuring reliable shaft positioning.
3Reliability
If a retaining ring is used to secure the shaft, then axial forces are supported, but assembly complexity increases due to separate securing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radial stop section and the retaining ring engagement features into a single integrated structure within the hollow inner hub. The stop section and the groove for the retaining ring are formed as one unified component during hub manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps to install both features. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable shaft securing through the combined mechanical actions of the stop section and retaining ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting a shaft (5) to a joint (1), which system includes a shaft journal (10) that is connected to the shaft (5), and a sleeve (4) that is connected to a hub of the joint (1), the sleeve (4) having a shaft-side first opening section (7), a joint-side second opening section (8), and a first radial stop section (14), and the shaft journal (10) having a shaft-side first shaft-journal section (11), a joint-side second shaft-journal section (12), and a second radial stop section (15) for delimiting the insertion path of the shaft journal (10) in the sleeve (4).