Propeller Shaft CV Joint Centering for Smaller Vehicle Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propeller shaft designs result in an oversized vehicle-side counterpart component due to centering by fitting the outer diameter of the constant-velocity joint, leading to increased size and potential inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A propeller shaft with a constant-velocity joint featuring an inner race member, rolling members, and a tubular outer race member with a centering portion at one end that is smaller than the maximum diameter, allowing for precise alignment and reduced size, and optionally using a centering member that can be press-fitted to conform to the counterpart component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the propeller shaft and vehicle-side counterpart component are centered by fitting the outer diameter portion of the outer race, then centering alignment is achieved, but the counterpart component becomes larger than necessary, increasing overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The outer race is segmented into two functional portions: the outer diameter portion for rolling contact and the centering portion for alignment. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise centering without requiring the entire outer race to be large, thus reducing the size of the vehicle-side counterpart component while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The centering portion is designed with a different diameter than the outer diameter portion, creating local quality variation. The centering portion has a smaller diameter that fits into a corresponding centering hole in the vehicle-side counterpart component, providing precise alignment without increasing the overall size of the counterpart component, while the outer diameter portion maintains its larger size for proper rolling contact
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 configuration enables a smaller size for vehicle-side components like transmissions and differentials, secures the fastening surface, and reduces part count and potential for backlash, while maintaining effective sealing and lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling member disposed on an outer periphery of the inner race member in a radial direction with respect to a direction of a rotational axis of the rotational shaft, and a tubular outer race member provided on an outer periphery of the rolling member in the radial direction and configured in such a manner that a rotational force of the rotational shaft is transmitted thereto via the rolling member
Data Source
AI summary
A propeller shaft includes a rotational shaft and a constant-velocity joint. The constant-velocity joint includes an inner race member connected to the rotational shaft, a rolling member disposed on an outer periphery of the inner race member in a radial direction relative to a direction of a rotational axis of the rotational shaft, and a tubular outer race member provided on an outer periphery of the rolling member in the radial direction and configured so that a rotational force of the rotational shaft is transmitted thereto via the rolling member. The outer race member has first and second end portions of the outer race member in the direction of the rotational axis. The outer race member includes a centering portion provided at the first end portion and formed so as to be smaller than a maximum diameter of the outer race member in the radial direction.