Hub-Integrated CV Joint Structure to Eliminate Backlash and Hub Nut Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hub-integrated-type constant-velocity joint devices have increased weight and manufacturing costs due to the separate manufacturing of the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub, which also leads to backlash and quality issues from spline-coupling and hub nut loosening.
Innovation Solution
A hub-integrated-type constant-velocity joint device where the hub housing functions as both the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub, with a boot serving as an inner seal to close the gap between the inner and outer races, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub are separately manufactured and assembled by spline and hub nut, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase due to increase in number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub into a single integrated component called a hub housing. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these two parts, thereby reducing the overall weight and number of parts while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the integrated design
2Ease of operation
If spline-coupling is used to connect the outer race and wheel hub, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but backlash is generated affecting quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub into a single integrated component called a hub housing. This eliminates the spline-coupling interface entirely, thereby removing the source of backlash while maintaining assembly flexibility through the integrated design
3Ease of operation
If hub nut is used to fasten the outer race to the wheel hub, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but loosening of hub nut generates quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub into a single integrated component called a hub housing. This eliminates the hub nut fastening interface entirely, thereby removing the risk of loosening while maintaining assembly flexibility through the integrated design
4Ease of manufacture
If separate outer race and wheel hub are used, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but joint noise and backlash are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer race of the constant velocity joint and the wheel hub into a single integrated component called a hub housing. This eliminates the interfaces between separate parts, thereby removing the sources of joint noise and backlash while maintaining manufacturing flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A hub-integrated-type constant-velocity joint device in which one hub housing (40) functions as both an outer race of a constant velocity joint and a wheel hub combining a disc (2) of a wheel and a knuckle (3). In this configuration, a boot sealing portion (110) integrally formed at a boot 50′ is inserted in a gap (35) between an inner race (32) and an outer race (33) of a bearing (30), thereby functioning as an inner seal closing up the gap between the inner race (32) and the outer race (33).