Constant Velocity Joint Rolling Element Assembly Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional constant-velocity joints face challenges in smoothly press-fitting rolling elements due to circumferential clearances and irregular gaps, leading to increased assembly costs and potential deformation during the keystone process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that divides rolling elements into groups and uses a cam or jig system to distribute pressing forces evenly across multiple locations, allowing for efficient assembly and minimizing clearances, thereby reducing the number of parts required in the assembly apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rolling elements are arrayed one by one along the cylindrical inner circumferential wall surface using a conventional keystone process, then the rolling elements can be assembled on the leg shaft, but circumferential clearances occur between the rolling elements or clearances become irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the rolling elements into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) positioned at different locations along the cylindrical inner circumferential wall surface. This segmentation allows each group to be assembled independently, preventing the propagation of clearance irregularities that would occur if all rolling elements were assembled in a single sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary assembly of rolling elements into multiple groups before final installation. By pre-positioning rolling elements in groups at specific locations, the system establishes a more uniform initial configuration that reduces the development of irregular clearances during operation and final pressing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the final rolling element is pressed in between two rolling elements radially outwardly, then the rolling element can be installed in place, but the pressing force concentrates on the final rolling element causing deformation or difficulty in pressing into place
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pressing operation by dividing rolling elements into groups and pressing different groups at different locations simultaneously or sequentially. This distributes the pressing force across multiple rolling elements rather than concentrating it on a single final rolling element, preventing deformation and making the pressing operation easier to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pressing force to multiple rolling elements in multiple groups rather than just the final rolling element. This partial distribution of the pressing action across several elements prevents any single element from bearing excessive force that would cause deformation or assembly difficulty.
3Force
If a holder is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the roller for bearing pressing force, then the pressing force can be supported, but the number of parts in the assembling apparatus increases resulting in increased manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for the holder component by redistributing the pressing force function to the rolling elements themselves through multi-group positioning. By dividing rolling elements into groups at different locations, the system uses the rolling elements' own structural arrangement to bear the pressing force, removing the requirement for an additional holder part.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling elements serve multiple functions: they transmit mechanical power, maintain spacing through their grouped arrangement, and bear the pressing force during assembly. By making the rolling elements multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated holder components, reducing part count and manufacturing cost.
4Reliability
If rolling elements are assembled with preset interference to ensure tight fit, then the rolling elements can be securely retained, but actual interference becomes greater than preset interference due to clearances causing deformation or difficulty in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments rolling elements into multiple groups positioned at different locations, which allows for more uniform distribution of interference fit. This segmentation prevents the accumulation of clearance errors that would lead to excessive actual interference, making assembly easier while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial distribution parameter of rolling elements by dividing them into groups at different locations along the cylindrical surface. This parameter change optimizes the interference fit by distributing contact points, reducing the actual interference magnitude while maintaining secure retention, and facilitating easier assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity joint, wherein all of those rolling elements excluding a plurality of rolling elements are divided into a plurality of rolling element groups and arranged along the inner diameter part of a roller member. The excluded plurality of rolling elements are dispersed in first to third cam grooves at intervals in the circumferential direction. When the rolling elements are pressed in the radial outer direction by the first to third pressing faces of a cam rotating in the arrow A direction, they are simultaneously press-fitted into first to third clearances between the rolling elements from the side of the inner diameter part of the roller member.