Fixed Type CV Joint Cage Stability via Zero Axial Offset Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional constant velocity universal joints experience heat generation and reduced durability under high loads or high-speed rotation due to contact between the cage and the inner and outer races, leading to performance issues.

Innovation Solution

The design sets a zero axial offset for the curvature centers of the track grooves on the outer and inner joint members, with track grooves tilted in opposite directions, creating alternate wedge angles that stabilize the cage position and reduce contact resistance, promoting lubrication and minimizing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the curvature centers of track grooves are offset in the axial direction to enable smooth cage operation, then the cage can operate smoothly, but heat generation occurs due to contact between the cage and inner/outer races under high load or high-speed rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage operation smoothnessVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the axial offset parameter of the curvature centers from a non-zero value to zero. Specifically, the curvature center of the track groove on the inner joint member and the curvature center of the track groove on the outer joint member are positioned at the same axial level, eliminating the axial offset that causes the cage to contact the races under load, thereby preventing heat generation while maintaining smooth operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric tilting of track grooves in opposite directions. The track groove on the inner joint member is tilted at an angle in one direction, while the track groove on the outer joint member is tilted at an angle in the opposite direction. This asymmetric configuration creates alternate wedge angles that stabilize the cage position and prevent contact with the races

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If conventional track groove configurations are used, then the structure is simple, but contact resistance between the cage and races increases under high loads, reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack groove configurationVSAvoiddurability under high load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the track grooves by setting the axial offset of curvature centers to zero and introducing opposite-direction tilting angles. These parameter changes reduce contact resistance between the cage and races, enhancing durability under high load conditions without significantly complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different tilting angles to the track grooves on the inner and outer joint members. The inner joint member track groove is tilted at a specific angle in one direction, while the outer joint member track groove is tilted at a corresponding angle in the opposite direction. This local differentiation creates optimal contact conditions that reduce friction and improve durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 durability and constant velocity performance by stabilizing the cage position, reducing heat generation, and improving lubrication, while allowing for a more stable and efficient operation under high loads and high-speed conditions.

Implementation Method 1

creating alternate wedge angles that stabilize the cage position and reduce contact resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge angle: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

promoting lubrication and minimizing heat generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

minimizing heat generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat generation reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8808097B2Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
Publication Date: 2014.08.19 NTN CORP
  • US8808097B2 patent drawing
  • US8808097B2 patent drawing
  • US8808097B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fixed type constant velocity universal joint prevents heat generation when a high load is applied or during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppresses a contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer races to improve constant velocity performance. Curvature centers of track grooves of outer and inner joint members have an offset of 0 in an axial direction. Track grooves of the outer and inner joint members, which are tilted in opposite directions from each other with respect to an axis line, are alternately formed in a circumferential direction. An outer surface of the inner joint member is a spherical surface to be brought into sliding contact with an inner spherical surface of the cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is a cylindrical surface.