Differential Spline Connection With Elastic Backlash Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spline connection structures in differential gear devices experience backlash and wear due to gaps between inner and outer spline teeth, leading to shocks and time lags during vehicle acceleration or deceleration, and existing countermeasures increase backlash over time.
Innovation Solution
A spline connection structure with at least one absent outer spline tooth on the drive shaft, incorporating a rod-shaped elastic body with spring characteristics in the longitudinal space, which applies elastic force in the radial or circumferential direction to reduce backlash and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge-shaped screw is tightened to increase the outside diameter of the drive shaft, then the spline engagement becomes tight-fitting without backlash initially, but the inside end portions of the tooth surfaces are easily worn and backlash increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the elastic body from relaxed to compressed, generating elastic force that continuously pushes the spline teeth together. This dynamic parameter change maintains tight engagement without the wear problems of static interference fitting
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body acts as an intermediary element between the drive shaft and side gear, mediating the connection through elastic force. This intermediary maintains consistent contact pressure while accommodating minor misalignments and reducing stress concentration on tooth surfaces
2Ease of manufacture
If there is a gap between inner and outer spline teeth, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but shock and time lag occur during vehicle acceleration or deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body's compressibility parameter is utilized to convert the rigid gap into a compliant connection. The elastic force generated by compression eliminates backlash while absorbing shock, transforming the harmful gap into a beneficial cushioning mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-compressed or easily compressible during operation. This cushioning effect absorbs shocks and eliminates time lag before they can affect the spline engagement, protecting the connection from harmful impacts
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 structure effectively reduces backlash and increases durability by utilizing the elastic force of the rod-shaped body, maintaining a stable connection between the drive shaft and side gear, thereby improving the spline engagement performance.
Implementation Method 1
backlash of the spline engagement between the inner spline teeth of the side gear and the outer spline teeth of the drive shaft is eliminated or reduced by elastic force based on spring characteristics of the rod-shaped elastic body
Data Source
AI summary
A spline connection structure for connecting between a drive shaft and a side gear of a differential gear device through spline engagement. The spline connection structure includes: outer spline teeth provided on an outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft; and inner spline teeth provided on an inner circumferential surface of the side gear. At least one of the outer spline teeth of the drive shaft is absent. The spline connection structure further includes a rod-shaped elastic body provided in a longitudinal space that is formed by absence of each of the at least one of the outer spline teeth of the drive shaft. Also disclosed is a process of connecting between the drive shaft and the side gear by the spline connection structure.