Homokinetic Joint Axial Retention via Nested Inner Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing homokinetic tripod joints for motor vehicle driveline systems have a large spatial requirement for a given nominal load capacity, which is inefficient in terms of size and bulk, while maintaining structural integrity and service life.
Innovation Solution
A roller assembly for homokinetic joints with an inner ring, outer roller, and needle bearing ring, featuring an axial retaining mechanism with overlapping retaining surfaces that allow for compact design without compromising structural integrity or service life, including a collar and washer configuration that radially overlaps the needle ring and outer roller surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer roller projects axially beyond the inner ring to receive washers for retaining the needle bearing ring, then the assembly can maintain its load capacity and structural integrity, but the spatial requirement and socket size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is nested within the existing structure by integrating the retaining surface into the inner ring's end surface, allowing the needle bearing ring to be retained without requiring the outer roller to project axially beyond the inner ring. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional axial space while maintaining the load capacity provided by the washer retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from axial retention (requiring the outer roller to project beyond the inner ring) to radial retention (using a retaining surface that radially overlaps the needle bearing ring). By changing the retention dimension from axial to radial, the design achieves compactness in the axial direction while maintaining structural integrity through the radial overlapping geometry.
2Reliability
If the outer roller projects axially beyond the inner ring to enable washer retention, then the needle bearing ring can be securely retained, but the socket takes up a relatively large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is nested within the existing structure by integrating the retaining surface into the inner ring's end surface, allowing the needle bearing ring to be retained without requiring the outer roller to project axially beyond the inner ring. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional axial space while maintaining the load capacity provided by the washer retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the retaining surface is merged with the inner ring's end surface, eliminating the need for separate protruding structures. The inner ring's end surface itself serves as the retaining surface for the needle bearing ring, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component and reducing overall socket size.
3Volume of moving object
If a collar with radial width less than the needle diameter is used, then the spatial requirement is reduced, but the retention mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the retention function from the collar component and transfers it to the inner ring's end surface. By taking out the retention function from the collar and implementing it directly on the inner ring, the design eliminates the need for a complex collar structure with precise radial width constraints, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 solution reduces the spatial requirement of homokinetic joints while maintaining their load capacity and service life, allowing for a more compact and efficient design without sacrificing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a needle bearing ring which is arranged between the inner ring and the outer roller in order to allow the relative pivoting thereof about a common longitudinal axis (Z-Z)
Implementation Method 2
The retaining mechanism includes a first retaining surface which is connected to the inner ring and which radially overlaps the needles of the needle ring and which is directed in a second direction (S2) counter to the first direction, the first retaining surface being suitable for coming into contact with the needles of the needle ring
Implementation Method 3
the axial retaining mechanism includes a second retaining surface which is connected to the outer roller. This retaining surface is arranged at the side of the needle ring opposite the first retaining surface and is suitable for coming into contact with the needle bearing ring
Data Source
AI summary
This homokinetic joint includes a roller assembly (9) having an inner ring (10) with a ring end surface (16) which is directed in a direction (S1), an outer roller (11) having a roller end surface (32) which is directed in the direction (S1), a needle ring (12), and a mechanism (13) for axially retaining the needle ring (12) on the inner ring (10). The ring end surface (16) is axially offset relative to the roller end surface (32) in the direction (S1).