Synthetic Resin Tripod Joint for Quiet Image Drum Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tripod type constant-velocity joints are heavy, noisy, require lubrication, and are not suitable for applications like office machines and medical instruments due to potential contamination risks, while existing image forming devices with non-constant velocity joints produce low-quality images due to speed fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A tripod type constant-velocity joint made of synthetic resin with curved protrusions and an outer ring, eliminating the need for grease lubrication, designed to be lightweight, compact, and quiet, with a preload mechanism to maintain isokinetic properties, and integrated into an image forming device for constant photoconductor drum speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional tripod type constant-velocity joint made of metal is used, then high strength is achieved, but the joint becomes heavy and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to synthetic resin, which fundamentally alters the weight and noise characteristics while maintaining structural integrity through appropriate resin selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating the outer ring and tripod member as a unified resin-based structure, optimizing both strength and weight characteristics through material composition rather than traditional metal assembly
2Strength
If a conventional tripod type constant-velocity joint made of metal is used, then high strength is achieved, but the joint requires lubrication with grease
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic resin material provides self-lubricating properties, allowing the joint to operate without external grease lubrication. The material itself serves the lubrication function through its inherent low-friction characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the grease-based lubrication system with an intrinsic material property approach, where the synthetic resin's molecular structure provides low-friction surfaces without requiring separate lubrication mechanisms
3Strength
If a conventional tripod type constant-velocity joint made of metal is used, then high strength is achieved, but the joint produces loud noise
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from metal to synthetic resin material fundamentally alters the noise generation characteristics, as the resin material dampens vibrations and reduces friction-induced noise while maintaining mechanical strength
4Power
If a conventional tripod type constant-velocity joint is used in food processing machines, then torque transmission is achieved, but grease leakage may contaminate food
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic resin joint provides self-lubrication without requiring grease, eliminating the contamination risk entirely while maintaining full torque transmission capability through the resin's inherent low-friction properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of grease leakage into a benefit by using a material that eliminates the need for grease altogether, transforming a contamination risk into a food-safe solution
5Device complexity
If a non-constant-velocity joint is used in image forming devices, then assembly is simplified, but the photoconductor drum cannot rotate at constant speed causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simpler resin-based joint design that, while structurally simpler, achieves constant velocity transmission through its inherent material properties and geometry, eliminating the need for complex metal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters by using synthetic resin's low-friction characteristics to maintain constant velocity transmission without the complex mechanical arrangements required in traditional joints
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 solution provides a lightweight, quiet, and low-maintenance constant-velocity joint suitable for various applications, ensuring high-quality images by maintaining constant speed and preventing contamination, while reducing size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A spherical roller is rotatably and axially slidably mounted on each trunnion so as to roll along the corresponding track groove
Implementation Method 2
A spherical roller is rotatably and axially slidably mounted on each trunnion so as to roll along the corresponding track groove
Data Source
AI summary
A tripod type constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring formed with three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. Each track groove has a pair of opposed, axially extending side faces. A tripod member is inserted in the outer ring. The tripod member includes three protrusions each slidably received in one of the track grooves and having a pair of circumferentially curved side faces each opposing one of the pair of side faces of each track groove. Torque is thus transmitted between the outer ring and the tripod member. At least the protrusions of the tripod member are formed of a synthetic resin.