Front Axle Drive Shaft Layout for CV Joint Error Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working vehicles face challenges in achieving space savings while effectively absorbing assembly errors of constant velocity joints, particularly in the front wheel drive shafts, due to the need for multiple universal joints which occupy significant space.

Innovation Solution

A working vehicle design incorporating a first shaft, a second shaft connected via a constant velocity joint and a spline structure, allowing relative movement in the axial direction, with a connection portion that can disengage to facilitate assembly and absorption of assembly errors, and a cover to prevent foreign matter ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If two universal joints are provided on the front wheel drive shaft to absorb assembly errors, then assembly error absorption is improved, but space consumption increases and space saving cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly error absorptionVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive shaft is divided into multiple segments (first drive shaft, second drive shaft, third drive shaft) connected by constant velocity joints. This segmentation allows each joint to independently accommodate assembly errors while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between error absorption and space consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The constant velocity joints are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to flexibly accommodate assembly errors through controlled movement and positioning adjustments. This dynamic特性 enables error absorption without requiring additional fixed components that would consume space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple universal joints are provided to absorb assembly errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly error absorption capabilityVSAvoidnumber of joints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each constant velocity joint in the drive shaft serves multiple functions: transmitting power, accommodating assembly errors, and allowing for relative movement between shaft segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the connection portion is fixed to ensure power transmission, then power transmission reliability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portion between drive shaft segments is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be firmly connected during operation for reliable power transmission, while enabling easy separation when assembly or disassembly is required. This dynamic connection capability resolves the contradiction between operational reliability and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4613530A1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4613530A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613530A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613530A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a working vehicle capable of absorbing an assembling error of a constant velocity joint and achieving space saving. Included are a machine body frame 2, a front axle case 20, a suspension device 100, a first shaft 210 that is disposed in a lower portion of a clutch housing 5a and to which a driving force transmitted from an engine 3 through a transmission shift device is transmitted, a second shaft 220 to which a driving force from the first shaft 210 is transmitted, a third shaft 230 that transmits a driving force transmitted from the second shaft 220 to an axle, a constant velocity joint 240 that bendably connects a front end side of the second shaft 220 and a rear end side of the third shaft 230 at a position corresponding to a rocking shaft 130, and a connection portion (spline portion 250) that connects a rear end side of the second shaft 220 and a front end side of the first shaft 210 so as to allow relative movement of the second shaft 220 and the first shaft 210 in an axial direction. (Fig. 8)