CV Joint Control Mechanism for Rotorcraft Drive Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constant velocity joints in rotorcraft systems face challenges in maintaining a constant velocity characteristic while minimizing friction and wear, often requiring multiple bearings which can increase complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity joint with a control mechanism featuring an inner yoke, outer yoke, positioning linkage, and linkage, which maintains a constant velocity characteristic between a drive shaft and a hub by positioning the yokes along the angular bisector of the deflection angle, reducing the need for additional bearings and minimizing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple bearings are used in a CV joint to maintain constant velocity characteristic, then the reliability and smooth operation are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control mechanism for maintaining constant velocity characteristic with the yoke structure itself. The positioning linkage and control links are integrated into the inner and outer yokes, eliminating the need for separate bearing assemblies. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining the constant velocity characteristic through the geometric relationship of the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational movement, and through its integrated control mechanism, maintains the constant velocity characteristic. The control links and positioning linkage within the yoke structure perform both positioning and motion control functions that would traditionally require separate bearing assemblies, making the yoke a multi-functional component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple bearings are used in a CV joint to reduce friction and wear, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is merged with the yoke structure, creating an integrated assembly that reduces friction and wear through precise geometric control rather than through multiple bearing contacts. The positioning linkage and control links work together to maintain optimal alignment, reducing harmful friction and wear effects without requiring additional bearing components.
3Manufacturing precision
If a control mechanism is added to maintain constant velocity characteristic, then the precision of velocity transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism components (positioning linkage, control links) are merged with the yoke structure, creating an integrated assembly that maintains constant velocity characteristic through their geometric relationships. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while preserving the precision of velocity transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements (positioning linkage, control links, inner yoke, outer yoke) that work together through defined geometric relationships. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining the overall constant velocity characteristic through their coordinated motion.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.