Constant Velocity Joint Hub Connection Without Extra Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant velocity joints in vehicle drive trains require specific and costly components for connection to shafts, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for additional components or deformation of existing parts.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity joint design featuring an inner and outer hub with tracks for balls, a shaft connection component with a securing structure, and a contacting structure that forms a non-positive-locking or torque-transmitting connection, allowing for flexible adaptation to different shaft connection components through configuration of the shaft connection component, which can be directly or indirectly connected to the outer hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific components (sleeves or deformation-constructed carrier housing) are used to connect the joint between two shafts, then the connection is enabled, but the costs increase and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer hub and shaft connection component into a single integrated component. The outer hub features both ball tracks for torque transmission and a contacting structure with recesses for shaft connection, eliminating the need for separate connection components like sleeves or deformation-constructed carrier housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer hub is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits torque through ball tracks and simultaneously provides shaft connection through its contacting structure with recesses. This multi-functional design replaces the need for specialized additional components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Device complexity
If the carrier housing is deformed to enable connection, then no additional sleeve is required, but the carrier housing must be constructed in a specific manner increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The outer hub is segmented into distinct functional regions: ball tracks for torque transmission and a contacting structure with recesses for shaft connection. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without requiring complex deformation of the entire carrier housing, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacting structure with recesses is pre-formed as an integral part of the outer hub during manufacturing. This preliminary formation of the connection structure eliminates the need for subsequent deformation steps or assembly of additional components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a sleeve is provided for connection between carrier housing and outer hub, then connection is enabled, but an additional component is required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shaft connection function directly into the outer hub through the contacting structure with recesses. This integration eliminates the need for separate sleeve components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining stable torque transmission and shaft connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer hub serves dual purposes: transmitting torque via ball tracks and providing shaft connection via the contacting structure with recesses. This universal design replaces the need for specialized sleeve components, reducing component quantity and associated costs while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity joint having an inner hub, an annular outer hub, a plurality of balls and a shaft connection component, with the outer hub in contact with the shaft connection component. The shaft connection component has, at an end region facing the outer hub, a securing structure which is in contact with a contacting structure of the outer hub. The outer hub contacting structure includes recesses corresponding to the raised portions of shaft connection component. The raised portions engage in the recesses to form a securing structure. The tracks and the recesses of the outer hub are arranged axially in alignment with each other.