Multipod Joint Raceway Segmentation for Low Axial Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipod joints experience issues with unwanted axial force generation (ACFG) and noise/friction due to roller body contact on passive sides during deflection, limiting their operational range and service life.
Innovation Solution
The multipod joint design incorporates raceways with specific segment configurations and contact areas to guide roller bodies, preventing contact on passive sides and controlling tilting/rolling movements, using stops to limit deflection angles and reduce ACFG forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller bodies are allowed to move freely in recesses during deflection, then the joint achieves greater operational range and ease of movement, but unwanted axial forces (ACFG) and noise increase due to contact on passive sides
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway is divided into two distinct segments: an active segment that guides the roller body during torque transmission, and a passive segment that prevents unwanted contact. This segmentation allows the joint to achieve full deflection range while eliminating ACFG forces and noise by restricting roller body movement to appropriate contact zones only.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the raceway are given different functional qualities - the active segment provides guidance and torque transmission surfaces, while the passive segment provides limiting surfaces that prevent excessive roller body movement. This local differentiation enables the joint to operate freely where needed while constraining movement where harmful effects occur.
2Device complexity
If roller bodies contact raceways on passive sides during deflection, then the joint maintains simplicity in structure, but friction and wear increase reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway is segmented into active and passive portions, where the passive segment specifically prevents harmful contact between roller bodies and raceway surfaces during deflection. This simple structural differentiation eliminates friction and wear on passive sides while maintaining overall structural simplicity, thereby extending service life without adding complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint is designed to accommodate large deflection angles, then operational versatility improves, but unwanted axial forces increase limiting the effective operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway is divided into active and passive segments that work together to accommodate large deflection angles. The active segment allows necessary roller body movement for torque transmission, while the passive segment prevents movement that would generate unwanted axial forces. This enables the joint to achieve high adaptability for various deflection angles without suffering from ACFG force limitations.
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 design effectively reduces unwanted axial forces and noise, enhancing the joint's operational range and service life by stabilizing roller body positions and minimizing friction, thus improving performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A roller body rolls on the raceways provided for it and can thus be displaced in the recess along the first longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
bearing bodies arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring
Data Source
AI summary
A multipod joint having an outer joint part with a first longitudinal axis and a cavity which runs parallel to the first longitudinal axis and which has an open end. At least two recesses running parallel to the first longitudinal axis are distributed along a circumferential direction, which extends around the first longitudinal axis. The joint has a joint inner part with a second longitudinal axis, comprising at least one central body on which at least two trunnions are formed with trunnion axes extending radially from the second longitudinal axis. A roller body rotatable at least about the trunnion axis is arranged on each trunnion.