Constant Velocity Joint Shaft Coupling for Easy Dismounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant velocity universal joints for propeller shafts in automobiles face challenges in easy mounting and dismounting for maintenance, with existing solutions either requiring complex snap ring designs for durability or increasing the number of components, leading to higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity universal joint with a mounting and dismounting mechanism featuring a tubular member, a fixing member, and an annular member that allows for simple fixation and separation of the power transmission shaft and inner joint member, using a tubular member with a radial and axial movement mechanism to lock and unlock the fixing member, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap ring and snap ring groove are chamfered or rounded to enable separation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and design complexity worsen due to difficult shape and dimension management
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into distinct functional elements: the snap ring for retention, the snap ring groove for positioning, and the protrusion feature for engagement. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion is pre-formed on the power transmission shaft at a location that aligns with the snap ring groove, eliminating the need for complex chamfering or rounding operations. This preliminary positioning feature guides the snap ring into place during assembly, improving ease of operation without increasing design complexity.
2Reliability
If a drive sleeve and drive nut are added to couple the power transmission shaft and constant velocity universal joint, then the reliability of fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring groove is integrated directly into the power transmission shaft structure, and the protrusion feature is formed as part of the shaft itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate drive sleeves and drive nuts, reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable fixation through the snap ring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits torque, provides structural support, and incorporates the snap ring groove and protrusion features for coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated coupling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity universal joint includes outer and inner joint members configured to transmit torque therebetween through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement. A power transmission shaft is coupled to the inner joint member. A mounting and dismounting mechanism configured to mount and dismount the power transmission shaft to and from the inner joint member is provided between the inner joint member and the power transmission shaft. The mounting and dismounting mechanism includes a tubular member inserted externally on the power transmission shaft so as to extend from the inner joint member, a fixing member received in the tubular member, and an annular member arranged on an outer periphery of the tubular member. The fixing member is moved in the radial direction along with movement of the annular member in the axial direction so that the fixing member is mountable to and dismountable from the power transmission shaft.