Driveshaft Single Constant-Velocity Joint Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current driveshafts in four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles face challenges in packaging and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) due to their short length and high angles between rotating components, which complicates the transfer of torque from the engine to the front wheels.
Innovation Solution
A driveshaft with a single constant-velocity joint and a locking mechanism that connects directly to the transfer case and differential, using spline connections to prevent axial slipping and wobble, allowing for efficient torque transfer with reduced components and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a short driveshaft is used to connect transfer case to front axle, then packaging space is improved, but noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The driveshaft is divided into two separate shafts: a first shaft connected to the transfer case and a second shaft connected to the differential, with a constant-velocity joint between them. This segmentation allows each shaft to be optimized independently, reducing overall NVH while maintaining compact packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
A constant-velocity joint is introduced as an intermediary between the two shafts to transfer rotational power while accommodating angular misalignment. This mediator reduces vibration and noise by smoothly handling the high-angle power transfer between the short shafts.
2Volume of moving object
If a short driveshaft with high angles is used, then packaging efficiency is improved, but torque transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the driveshaft into two segments connected by a CV joint allows each segment to be shorter and better positioned, improving packaging while the CV joint maintains efficient torque transfer despite high operating angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant-velocity joint is designed to maintain constant rotational velocity and torque transfer efficiency even at high operating angles, changing the operational parameters from variable velocity to constant velocity throughout the range of motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision and dedicated packaging are implemented, then power delivery to front axle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driveshaft system is segmented into two shafts with a CV joint, allowing standard precision components to be used in each segment rather than requiring custom precision engineering for a single complex short shaft, thereby reducing overall 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 configuration enhances packaging efficiency, reduces NVH, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for additional components, while maintaining effective torque transfer and reducing weight and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A constant-velocity joint is coupled to the first and second shafts for transferring rotational speed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
The first shaft has first spline connection features coupled to an output of a transfer case. The second shaft has second spline connection features coupled to an input of a differential
Implementation Method 3
The clamp is disposed at least partially radially outward from the first spline features to inhibit axial slipping between the first shaft and the output
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a transfer case that is configured to receive power from a transmission, and transfer the power to one or both of a front axle and a rear axle. The transfer case has an output, such as an output rod, that delivers the power to a differential on one of the axles. A driveshaft has a single constant-velocity joint thereon. A first shaft of the driveshaft is directly connected to the output of the transfer case by a fixed connection, such as a spline connection, that inhibits axial slipping. The first shaft is connected on its other end to the constant-velocity joint. A second shaft of the driveshaft is connects to the constant-velocity joint to the differential. The driveshaft can also have a clamp at the splint to inhibit axial slipping at the spline connection.