CV Joint Grease Retainer Structure to Prevent Ball Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant velocity joints face challenges in preventing ball separation during handling while maintaining a slim design and minimizing weight, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity joint design featuring a through-hole in the outer race sealed by a convex-shaped grease retainer that limits grease leakage and restricts ball movement, eliminating the need for additional parts or processes to prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic deformation stacking is used to prevent ball separation, then ball separation is prevented, but the outer race length increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ball separation prevention function from the outer race structure itself and transfers it to a separate grease retainer component. The grease retainer includes a retention protrusion that physically blocks balls from moving outward, while the outer race maintains its original slim design without plastic deformation stacking.
2Reliability
If plastic deformation stacking is used to prevent ball separation, then ball separation is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the ball retention function into a distinct grease retainer component that can be manufactured independently using standard processes. This eliminates the need for complex plastic deformation stacking operations on the outer race, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Strength
If the outer race is made thicker to increase rigidity, then rigidity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functions of the outer race assembly: the outer race provides structural support and rigidity with optimized thickness, while the grease retainer provides ball retention and seals grease. This segmentation allows the outer race to be thinner and lighter while maintaining its rigidity function.
4Strength
If an adapter is used to couple the ball groove part, then rigidity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the grease retention function with the grease sealing function into a single grease retainer component. This eliminates the need for separate adapters to couple ball groove parts, simplifying the overall assembly structure while maintaining power transmission rigidity through the outer race design.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity joint includes: an outer race provided with a through-hole extending along a longitudinal axis and forming a plurality of outer ball grooves; an inner race forming a plurality of inner ball grooves that respectively pair with the outer ball grooves; a plurality of balls that are respectively positioned within a space formed by the pair of the outer ball grooves and the internal ball grooves; a ball cage that accommodates the plurality of balls; and a grease retainer coupled to the outer race to prevent grease, which fills a space where the ball and the ball cage are placed, from leaking through the through-hole. The grease retainer has a convex shape protruding towards the ball and the ball cage.