Propeller Shaft Boot Groove Geometry for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional propeller shaft design faces challenges in assembling the boot member due to the need for expanding the boot member's inside diameter to match the shaft's outside diameter, leading to deteriorated workability, and adjusting the mounting groove diameters results in protruding portions being difficult to mount, further complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The propeller shaft design features a mounting groove configuration where the front side diameter is smaller than the rear side diameter, allowing for a reduced diameter increase of the boot member's protruding portion, improving insertion workability and ensuring proper mounting without exceeding the groove boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outside diameters of the shaft portions are set to the same diameter on the front and rear sides of the mounting grooves, then the structural symmetry and strength are maintained, but the inside diameter of the boot member needs to be expanded by a protruding amount of the protruding portion, deteriorating the workability of the assembling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies asymmetry by setting different outside diameters for the front and rear sides of the mounting groove. Specifically, the outside diameter on the front side (in the insertion direction of the boot member) is made smaller than the outside diameter on the back side. This asymmetric design allows the boot member to be inserted more easily without requiring excessive expansion of its inside diameter, while still maintaining adequate strength through the larger rear diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by varying the outside diameter at different locations of the shaft portion. The front side of the mounting groove has a smaller outside diameter to facilitate boot member insertion, while the back side has a larger outside diameter to maintain structural strength. This localized differentiation optimizes both assembly workability and structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the outside diameters on the front and rear sides of the mounting groove are decreased to reduce the insertion load of the boot member, then the insertion load is reduced, but the protruding portion may get over the mounting groove, making it difficult to mount properly
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric diameter design ensures that the front side has a smaller outside diameter to reduce insertion load and facilitate boot member insertion, while the back side maintains a larger outside diameter to prevent the protruding portion from getting over the mounting groove and ensure proper mounting positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the outside diameter on the front side of the mounting groove is reduced to improve insertion workability, then the boot member can be inserted more easily, but the structural strength at that location may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric design compensates for the reduced front diameter by providing a larger back diameter, ensuring that the overall structural strength is maintained even though the front side has a smaller outside diameter for improved insertion workability.
Data Source
AI summary
Propeller shaft has boot member (7) whose one end is fixed to sleeve shaft (2) and whose other end is fixed to stub shaft (3), and boot bands (8) fixing boot member (7) to sleeve shaft (2) and stub shaft (3). Protrusions (74) fitted in respective fitting grooves (26) formed on outer circumferential surfaces of sleeve shaft (2) and stub shaft (3) are provided on inner circumferential sides of one end and the other end of the boot member (7). At each of sleeve shaft (2) and stub shaft (3), first outer diameter section (231) having diameter larger than an inside diameter (D1) of protrusion (74) is provided at one side with respect to fitting groove (26), also second outer diameter section (232) having diameter larger than an outside diameter (X1) of first outer diameter section (231) is provided at the other side with respect to fitting groove (26).