Joint Design Reducing Parts via Segmented Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power transmission joints have issues with a large number of parts, a complex manufacturing process, limited shaft angle capability, and lack of longitudinal play due to curvilinear groove designs.

Innovation Solution

A joint design featuring a plurality of spheres and hemispherical recesses on a cylindrical body with longitudinal grooves that extend in a linear direction, allowing for a curve between shafts and secure coupling through threading or prevention parts, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a torque transmitting part with journal member and roller is used, then torque transmission is achieved, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing becomes troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the torque transmitting part, journal member, and roller into a single integrated member with a T-shaped cross-section. The horizontal leg of the T-shape receives the roller while the vertical leg transmits torque, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining torque transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If curvilinear grooves are used in the domy plug, then shaft angle capability is improved, but longitudinal play is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft angle capabilityVSAvoidlongitudinal play
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the groove design into two distinct functional zones: curvilinear grooves in the upper portion that enable shaft angle adjustment, and linear grooves in the lower portion that provide longitudinal play. This segmentation allows both functionalities to coexist without interference, with each zone performing its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If linear grooves are used in the hub, then longitudinal play is enabled, but shaft angle capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal playVSAvoidshaft angle capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the groove design into two distinct functional zones: curvilinear grooves in the upper portion that enable shaft angle adjustment, and linear grooves in the lower portion that provide longitudinal play. This segmentation allows both functionalities to coexist without interference, with each zone performing its specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 joint achieves secure coupling and uniform velocity transmission between shafts with reduced complexity and parts, maintaining stability over extended use without detaching, even at varying angles.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of spheres (for example, 29a-29d in FIG. 1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

hemispherical recesses for receiving the spheres (for example, 22a-22d in FIG. 2) are formed on a side face of a head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The hub and a shaft coupled to said hub may be coupled by threading (for example, a structure shown in 34 in FIG. 9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP1923587B1joint
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 ASA ELECTRONICS IND CO LTD
  • EP1923587B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(c)
  • EP1923587B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4(c)
  • EP1923587B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~6(e)

AI summary

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: A joint whose number of parts is reduced and whose production process is simplified. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS: The joint has spherical bodies (29a-29d), a circular cylindrical inner hub (20)in which hemispherical receiving sections (22a-22d) for receiving the spherical bodies (29a-29d) are formed in curved surfaces, and an outer hub (10) that has a receiving section (17) for receiving the inner hub (20) and also has longitudinal grooves (12a-12d) integrally formed with the receiving section (17) and in which the spherical bodies (29a-29d) received in the receiving sections (22a-22d) are received.