Drive-Train Housing Alignment Using a Dual-Function Support Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle drive-train assemblies face challenges in aligning housing components accurately without relying on cylindrical pins or other alignment means, particularly in transmissions where a shaft is used for structural support but not for alignment.
Innovation Solution
A housing design where a shaft supports structural elements and simultaneously ensures the alignment of housing components, eliminating the need for additional alignment means by providing exact fits and using a locking bolt for rotational fixation, with a centering collar and shoulder for radial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cylindrical pins or other alignment means are used to align housing components, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and structural support function into a single shaft component. The shaft serves dual purposes: it aligns the first and second housing components relative to each other while simultaneously supporting the structural element inside the housing, eliminating the need for separate cylindrical pins or alignment means.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both alignment and support functions. By making the shaft universal in its role, the patent reduces the total number of parts needed while maintaining precise alignment of the housing components.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment means are added to align housing components, then alignment precision is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is merged into the existing shaft component rather than being implemented as a separate part. This integration reduces the quantity of parts while achieving the required alignment precision between housing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed to serve multiple functions including alignment and structural support, thereby reducing the overall number of parts needed in the assembly while maintaining precise alignment capabilities.
3Device complexity
If the shaft is used for both support and alignment functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining alignment and support functions in the shaft, the patent reduces device complexity. The shaft's design integrates both functions, requiring precise manufacturing but eliminating the need for separate alignment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed as a universal component that performs both alignment and support functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while imposing higher precision requirements on the shaft's manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing (1) for an assembly in a vehicle drive-train having a first housing component (1A) and a second housing component (1B). The first and second housing components (1A, 1B) are aligned with and coupled to one another. A shaft (6) for supporting a structural element (7) of the assembly is arranged inside the housing. The shaft (6) is supported respectively in the first and the second housing components (1A, 1B). The shaft (6) serves to align the first and second housing components (1A, 1B) relative to one another. A transmission having such a housing (1) is described as is a method for producing such a housing (1).