CVJ Hub Coupling Assembly Sealing and Angular Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheel hub assemblies experience insufficient sealing and noise due to angular play between constant velocity joints and hub bearing units, leading to water penetration and rust, making disassembly difficult and shortening component life.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a conical tapering surface section and annular sealing member between the hub and bell members, along with involute or circumferentially extending splines, provides a hermetic seal and eliminates angular play by using a retainer and connector to compress the sealing member and secure the splines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber sleeve is provided to cover the slot and seal it, then sealing is improved, but water or fluids can still penetrate through the slot into the splined interface zone
Solution Approach 1:
An annular sealing member (elastomeric material) is introduced as an intermediary element between the hub and bell assembly. This sealing member is compressed by the retainer to form a hermetic seal that prevents water and fluid penetration, replacing the insufficient rubber sleeve solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach changes from a loose-fitting rubber sleeve to a compressed elastomeric sealing member. By applying compression force through the retainer, the sealing member deforms to fill gaps and create a hermetic barrier, changing the physical state and contact pressure parameters to achieve effective sealing.
2Power
If a straight splined coupling is used to connect the hub and bell, then torque transmission is achieved, but angular play between splines causes noise and makes disassembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The straight splines are replaced with involute splines that have curved, tapered surfaces. This curvature allows the splines to engage more smoothly and eliminate angular play, reducing noise while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spline geometry parameters are changed from straight to involute profile with taper. This parameter change in the spline shape enables continuous contact and eliminates the angular play that causes noise during vehicle operation.
3Power
If a straight splined coupling is used, then torque transmission is achieved, but rust forms at the splined interface zone shortening component life
Solution Approach 1:
The annular sealing member acts as a protective intermediary that prevents water and corrosive fluids from reaching the splined interface zone. This intermediary barrier protects the metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing performance at the interface is improved by changing from a loose rubber sleeve to a compressed elastomeric seal, creating a hermetic barrier that prevents corrosive agents from accessing the splined surfaces.
4Reliability
If a retainer with conical surface is used to compress the sealing member, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer serves multiple functions: it secures the bell assembly to the hub, compresses the annular sealing member to create a hermetic seal, and prevents disengagement of the involute splines. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing, sealing, and spline retention functions are merged into a single retainer component with a conical surface. This consolidation of functions achieves hermetic sealing without proportionally increasing 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
The solution achieves a continuous, durable sealing action and eliminates noise by ensuring a tight, reliable connection between the hub and constant velocity joint, preventing water ingress and reducing maintenance difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
compress the sealing member between the hub member end surface and the bell end surface
Implementation Method 2
a generally conical, tapering outer circumferential surface engageable with the tapering inner surface section of the bore such that the bell tubular section is retained
Implementation Method 3
a connector configured to connect the retainer with the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for connecting a hub bearing unit with a constant velocity joint includes a bell member of a constant velocity joint having a tubular section disposed about a driving ring and having an end surface facing a hub member end surface and an inner circumferential surface defining a bore. The inner surface has inner splines engageable with driving ring outer splines and a tapering surface section. A sealing member is disposed between the hub and bell end surfaces and seals the space between the surfaces. An annular retainer disposed within the bell bore has a tapering outer circumferential surface engageable with the inner surface section of the bore such that the tubular section is retained between the retainer outer surface and the hub end surface, preventing disengagement of the splines and compressing the sealing member between the end surfaces. A connector connects the retainer with the hub.