Double Cardan CV Joint Ball-Socket Design for Wider Shaft Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double cardan constant velocity joints are limited by the degree of relative pivotal movement of coupled shafts due to axial constraints and cylindrical housing inner surfaces, which restricts the range of angular movement and design options for motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A double cardan constant velocity joint design featuring a housing with an annular wall, pivotably coupled yokes, a ball and socket mechanism with a biasing member, and an annular concave contour in the housing inner surface, allowing for increased pivotal movement and maximum working angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the housing inner surface is cylindrical and shaft ends are prevented from moving axially, then the joint structure is simple and stable, but the degree of relative pivotal movement of the coupled shafts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the housing inner surface adjustable between different geometric configurations (cylindrical and conical). This allows the joint to dynamically adapt its structure based on operational requirements, enabling greater pivotal movement when the conical configuration is used while maintaining structural simplicity when the cylindrical configuration is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the housing inner surface. By changing the surface profile from cylindrical to conical and adjusting the angle of convergence, the patent enables varied degrees of pivotal movement without fundamentally redesigning the entire joint structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft ends are prevented from moving axially, then the joint maintains stable alignment, but the range of angular movement between coupled shafts is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the housing inner surface to transition between static configurations (cylindrical and conical). This dynamic capability allows the joint to switch between stable alignment mode (cylindrical) and extended angular movement mode (conical), resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing inner surface into adjustable sections that can be positioned in different configurations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of alignment stability and angular movement range by selecting appropriate configurations for different operational phases.
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 design enhances the range of angular movement between coupled shafts, optimizes motor vehicle performance, reduces costs, and provides a robust and durable solution for automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed in the recessed pocket to impart a bias on the ball, wherein pivotal movement of one of the first yoke and the second yoke causes concurrent pivotal movement of the other of the first yoke and the second yoke via engagement of the ball stud with the ball, and further causes the ball to pivot in the socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A double cardan constant velocity joint including a housing extending between a housing first end and a housing second end. A first yoke is pivotably coupled to the housing first end by a first spider. The first yoke extends between a first end having a socket and a second end configured for attachment to a first shaft. A second yoke is pivotably coupled to the housing second end by a second spider. The second yoke extends between a first end having a ball stud and a second end configured for attachment to a second shaft. A ball is disposed in the socket, wherein the ball has a recessed pocket for receipt of the ball stud. A biasing member is disposed in the recessed pocket to impart a bias on the ball, wherein pivotal movement of the first yoke and the second yoke causes the ball to translate in the socket.