Spline-Slip CV Joint Retaining Ring Groove for Easier Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing constant velocity universal joints with spline slip structures face difficulties in maintaining and disassembling due to the radial movement of the steel wire retaining ring, making it challenging to remove the spline shaft from the star-shaped sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A steel wire retaining ring limiting device with a groove on the star-shaped sleeve, featuring a chamfer angle, limits radial movement and facilitates the removal of the spline shaft, with groove configurations including arc, L-shaped, or combinations of horizontal and inclined planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steel wire retaining ring is allowed to move freely in the radial direction, then the universal joint can operate with flexibility, but the retaining ring becomes difficult to remove and may be cut off or lost during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The star-shaped sleeve is designed with a specific groove structure at the location where the retaining ring needs to be positioned. This groove provides localized radial constraint while allowing the rest of the retaining ring to maintain its operational flexibility. The groove acts as a dedicated feature that simultaneously achieves both retention during operation and accessibility during maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If the retaining ring is constrained to prevent radial movement, then the retaining ring becomes easy to remove, but the operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure is designed to provide dynamic constraint - it restricts radial movement when the universal joint is in normal operation, but allows easy access and removal when maintenance is needed. The chamfered edges of the groove facilitate the removal process by providing a starting point for tool engagement, enabling the retaining ring to transition from a constrained state during operation to a removable state during maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If a groove structure is added to limit radial movement, then the retainability and removability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure divides the retention function into distinct segments: the groove itself provides radial constraint, while the chamfered edges provide removal assistance. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring additional complex components. The groove is integrated directly into the star-shaped sleeve, avoiding the need for separate retention mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A type of constant velocity universal joint has the spline slip structure, including the steel wire retaining ring and the star-shaped sleeve which are both mounted on a common axis, and the steel wire retaining ring limiting device. The said steel wire retaining ring limiting device is a groove arranged on the said star-shaped sleeve and used for holding the said steel wire retaining ring. The said steel wire retaining ring may be elliptic or circular. The movement in the radial direction of the steel wire retaining ring will be limited by the groove on the star shaped sleeve and there occurs a certain contraction, in addition to appropriate the chamfer angle of the groove, when removing the spline shaft from the star-shaped sleeve.