CV Joint Inner Ring Axial Guide for Roller Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing constant velocity swivel joints face challenges during assembly, particularly when the inner joint part needs to be assembled into the outer joint part, as the rollers can pivot and the outer rings are axially displaceable, making it difficult to achieve a defined assembly position without manual angle correction or axial displacement correction, which is impractical due to the number of rollers and unfavorable space conditions.

Innovation Solution

The design includes an inner ring with a rest position that is mechanically fixed in a defined angular position, requiring a minimum torque to tilt, and features geometric structures such as plastic deformations or displacement stops to limit axial displaceability, ensuring the rollers remain securely positioned during assembly and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rollers are designed with pivot capability and axial displacement freedom, then the joint achieves low friction and vibration-free running, but the assembly position of the inner joint part cannot be defined, requiring manual correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunning propertiesVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the rest position of the inner ring through mechanical structures (protrusions fitting into recesses, or elastic prestressing) before assembly. This ensures that when the inner joint part is assembled into the outer joint part, the rollers automatically assume a predetermined, correct position without requiring manual angle correction or axial displacement adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between free-running properties and ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the outer ring is made axially displaceable relative to the inner ring, then the joint accommodates articulation movements, but the rollers may fall apart at high articulation angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticulation capabilityVSAvoidroller retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the roller structure. The inner ring has a rest position that is mechanically fixed for stable operation, while the outer ring maintains axial displaceability for articulation. The displacement stops are localized features that prevent excessive movement only when needed, allowing the joint to accommodate normal articulation movements while preventing roller disassembly at high articulation angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the inner ring is mechanically fixed in a defined angular position, then the assembly process is simplified, but a minimum torque is required to tilt the inner ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidtorque requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fixation of the inner ring in a defined angular position through protrusions and recesses serves as a preliminary action that establishes the correct assembly position before operation. The minimum torque requirement is acceptable because it only needs to be overcome during the assembly process to engage the protrusions into the recesses, after which the joint operates normally without continuous torque application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using elastic prestressing to create a rest position. The elastic elements store energy that maintains the inner ring in a predetermined angular position during assembly, simplifying the assembly process. During normal operation, the joint accommodates torque variations while the elastic elements continue to provide positioning stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the final assembly of the constant velocity swivel joint by reducing the need for manual position corrections and preventing the rollers from falling apart, even at high articulation angles, while minimizing friction and wear, thus enhancing the assembly process and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A large number of rolling elements are arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, so that the outer ring can roll on the inner ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a pivot pin of the inner joint part inserted into the inner ring causes a tilting movement in the inner ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTilting movement: Gimbal

Implementation Method 3

The construction known from DE 103 25 116 A1 realizes special advantages in terms of low friction and vibration-free running of the constant velocity joint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP2391833B1CV joint with improved assembly properties
Publication Date: 2013.11.27 NEAPCO EURO
  • EP2391833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2391833B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2391833B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a CV joint with a joint outer piece (12), a joint inner piece (14) and rings (28) arranged between the joint outer piece (12) and joint inner piece (14). The rings (28) each have an inner ring (48) with a ring inner surface (54) and an outer ring (42) with a ring outer surface (56). A number of roller bodies (46) are arranged between the inner ring (48) and the outer ring (42), such that the outer ring (42) may roll over the inner ring (48). The invention is characterised in that the inner ring (48) forms an axial guide, fixing the position of the roller bodies (46) relative to the inner ring (48) in the axial direction. The invention is further characterised by an inner ring (48) and an outer ring (42), which have limited movement relative to each other in the axial direction.