Propeller Shaft Splined Interface Eliminates Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional use of bolts and flanges for connecting propeller shafts to constant velocity universal joints increases production costs, weight, and the risk of bolt looseness, while also prolonging the assembly time due to the need for a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A propeller shaft design that employs a splined cylindrical interface and a snap ring mechanism for axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member, allowing for torque transmission without the use of bolts, thereby reducing component count and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts and flanges are used for connecting the driven shaft to the constant velocity universal joint, then a secure and reliable torque transmission is achieved, but the weight of connected portions increases and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the bolts and flanges from the connection system between the driven shaft and constant velocity universal joint. By using a splined cylindrical interface with interference fit, the connection achieves secure torque transmission without requiring separate fastening components, thereby reducing weight and part count while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of torque transmission and axial positioning into a single integrated splined cylindrical interface. The spline coupling structure combines the driven shaft and universal joint into one unified connection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate bolts and flanges while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If bolts and flanges are used for connecting the driven shaft to the constant velocity universal joint, then a secure connection is achieved, but the production cost increases due to increased number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes bolts and flanges from the assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. The splined interface is integrated into the shaft and joint structures, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the connection function into the splined cylindrical interface itself, the invention reduces the total number of components requiring manufacturing operations. This integration lowers production complexity, reduces assembly steps, and decreases overall production cost while ensuring secure torque transmission.
3Reliability
If bolts are used for connecting the driven shaft to the constant velocity universal joint, then a secure connection is achieved, but the cycle time for bolt connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the time-consuming bolt insertion, tightening, and verification operations by removing bolts entirely from the connection system. The splined interface with interference fit allows for rapid assembly through simple insertion and automatic engagement, dramatically reducing the connection cycle time while maintaining secure connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the torque transmission and positioning functions into the splined interface, the invention eliminates multiple sequential operations (bolt insertion, threading, tightening, torque verification) and replaces them with a single insertion action, thereby reducing the connection cycle time significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.