Constant Velocity Joint Cooling Ring for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constant velocity joints (CVJs) face challenges in effectively dissipating heat generated at high rotational speeds and large operating angles, leading to potential damage from excessive heat, especially when the outer housing's heat dissipation mechanisms are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a cooling member, such as a cylindrical sleeve made of aluminum with fins, is applied to the outer housing of the CVJ to enhance heat dissipation, which includes a dust lip and flexible boot for protection and improved thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fins or grooves are added to the outer housing to aid heat dissipation, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but the weight of the CVJ significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented from the outer housing structure. Instead of integrating fins or grooves into the steel outer housing, a separate cooling member (sleeve) is provided that fits onto the outer housing. This allows the cooling function to be added without modifying the load-bearing structure of the outer housing, thus avoiding weight increase in the critical load-bearing components.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling member (sleeve) is introduced as an intermediary component between the outer housing and the environment. This cooling member acts as a thermal interface that conducts heat away from the outer housing without requiring structural modifications to the housing itself. The cooling member can be made of lightweight materials with high thermal conductivity, achieving heat dissipation without compromising the outer housing's structural integrity or significantly increasing overall weight.
2Strength
If the outer housing is made thicker to withstand torque, then strength is improved, but heat dissipation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of torque transmission and heat dissipation are segmented into separate components. The outer housing is dedicated to torque transmission and can be optimized for strength without heat dissipation considerations. The cooling member is a separate component dedicated to heat dissipation, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining the outer housing (optimized for mechanical strength and torque transmission) with a cooling member (optimized for thermal conductivity). This composite approach allows the torque-bearing structure to remain thick and strong while the attached cooling member provides enhanced heat dissipation capability through materials and geometries optimized for thermal performance.
3Reliability
If heat dissipation is improved at large operating angles, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling member serves multiple functions: it provides heat dissipation, acts as a protective barrier for the outer housing, and can be designed to accommodate various operating angles. This multi-functional component improves reliability across different operating conditions without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 effectively manages heat dissipation even at high rotational speeds and large operating angles, reducing the risk of damage to the CVJ's components and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling member is made of a material with a thermal conductivity higher than that of the outer housing material
Implementation Method 2
The cooling member includes a plurality of fins
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity joint includes an outer housing and an inner race disposed inside the outer housing and spaced therefrom. The outer housing and inner race are respectively rotatable about a first and second rotation axes, and moveable relative to one another to change an angle between the rotation axes. A cage, disposed between the outer housing and the inner race, has cage windows defined therethrough. A plurality of balls, each retained in a corresponding cage window roll along corresponding outer housing grooves and inner race grooves, respectively defined on an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner race. Rotation of one of the outer housing and the inner race about their respective rotation axis, causes rotation of the other. A cooling member disposed on the outer housing contacts at least a portion of its outer surface. Powertrains and vehicles are also disclosed.