CVJ Boot Insert Limits Shaft Articulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Constant velocity joints, particularly Aucktor style joints, are sensitive to over-articulation, leading to disassembly issues, and existing solutions require complex assembly processes and additional components like the 'can' to prevent this, increasing costs and assembly time.

Innovation Solution

A boot with an integrated insert that limits articulated movement by being secured by the boot itself, eliminating the need for a separate articulation limiting device like the 'can', simplifying assembly by attaching the boot directly to the outer joint member and the shaft, while preventing disengagement of the inner joint member from the outer joint member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an articulation limiting device (can) is attached directly to the outer joint member to prevent over-articulation, then the constant velocity joint is protected from disassembly, but the assembly process becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of over-articulationVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is integrated into the bellows boot structure, combining the sealing function of the boot with the articulation limiting function of the insert. This eliminates the need for a separate can component and its associated attachment operations, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining over-articulation protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows boot simultaneously performs multiple functions: sealing the cavity from contaminants and providing structural support for the insert that limits articulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an articulation limiting device (can) is attached directly to the outer joint member to prevent over-articulation, then the constant velocity joint is protected from disassembly, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of over-articulationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is integrated into the bellows boot structure, combining the sealing function of the boot with the articulation limiting function of the insert. This eliminates the need for a separate can component and its associated attachment operations, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining over-articulation protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows boot simultaneously performs multiple functions: sealing the cavity from contaminants and providing structural support for the insert that limits articulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an articulation limiting device (can) is attached directly to the outer joint member to prevent over-articulation, then the constant velocity joint is protected from disassembly, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of over-articulationVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is integrated into the bellows boot structure, combining the sealing function of the boot with the articulation limiting function of the insert. This eliminates the need for a separate can component and its associated attachment operations, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining over-articulation protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows boot simultaneously performs multiple functions: sealing the cavity from contaminants and providing structural support for the insert that limits articulation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2123926B1Boot for a constant velocity joint

Publication Date: 2011.04.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Figure 1

AI summary

A constant velocity joint assembly (20) includes an outer joint member (26) and an inner joint member (28). A first shaft (22) is coupled to the inner joint member (28) for articulated movement with the inner joint member (28) relative to the outer joint member (26). A boot (50) is coupled to the first shaft (22) and the outer joint member (26) to seal the constant velocity joint assembly (20). An insert (72) is secured to and supported within the boot (50) adjacent to and in abutting engagement with an axial end (32) of the outer joint member (26). The insert (72) limits movement of the first shaft (22) to within a pre-determined range of articulation (36) to prevent disengagement and/or disassembly of the inner joint member (28) relative to the outer joint member (26).