Propeller Shaft Nut Assembly for Easier Final Drive Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of propeller shafts and final drives in vehicle drive train assemblies is labor-intensive and requires multiple people due to the heavy weight of components, necessitating a solution to simplify and secure the attachment process while maintaining high torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A nut configuration with a main body and extensions is pre-welded to the propeller shaft or final drive flange, allowing for easier installation by reducing the need for manual handling and providing secure fastening through threaded fasteners, with the nut's design enabling movement from an uninstalled to an installed position without requiring additional hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used to connect propeller shaft and final drive, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes labor-intensive requiring multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-welded to either the propeller shaft or final drive flange before assembly, positioning it in advance so that during installation only a single fastener insertion and tightening action is needed, eliminating the need for multiple people to hold components during fastening
2Strength
If heavy components are used for high torque transmission, then torque capacity is improved, but handling and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-positioned on one of the components through welding, so that during assembly the heavy components do not need to be manually manipulated and positioned - the pre-positioned nut guides the fastener insertion and secures the connection in a single operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-welded nut configuration allows the assembly structure itself to guide the installation process, where the fastener self-aligns with the pre-positioned nut and threaded opening, eliminating the need for external assistance to align heavy components
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 proposed solution simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of people needed and ensures secure attachment, maintaining high friction and torque transmission efficiency between the propeller shaft and final drive, thereby facilitating easier and more efficient assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A nut configuration with a main body and extensions is pre-welded to the propeller shaft or final drive flange
Implementation Method 2
maintaining high friction and torque transmission efficiency between the propeller shaft and final drive
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle drive train assembly includes a propeller shaft and a nut. The nut has a first part and a second part. The first part is movable with respect to the propeller between an uninstalled position and an installed position of the nut. The second part is stationary with respect to the propeller shaft in the uninstalled position and the installed position.