Segmented Universal Joint Cover for Grease Containment and Service Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing universal joint covers are prone to damage from grease/oil flung off the joint, leading to environmental contamination and functional loss, and are difficult to install, repair, or replace due to direct contact with the joint and uninterrupted design.

Innovation Solution

A cover for a universal joint comprising multiple semi-rigid polymeric sections connected to the driveshaft or yoke without contacting the joint, using fasteners and U-bolts, allowing easy installation, repair, and access to the joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a flexible cover is disposed around the universal joint to prevent grease/oil from being flung off, then environmental contamination is reduced, but the cover is damaged by the spinning universal joint and grease/oil

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental contaminationVSAvoidcover durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple separable sections (first section, second section, and optional third section) that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily taken off and reinstalled without damaging the universal joint, resolving the contradiction between providing continuous protection and avoiding damage from the spinning joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover sections are pre-assembled with fasteners (U-bolts, clamps, or other fastening mechanisms) attached to the driveshaft or yoke before the universal joint is installed. This preliminary attachment ensures the cover is properly positioned and secured without requiring contact with the spinning universal joint during operation, thereby preventing cover damage while maintaining environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is designed as an uninterrupted cylinder to provide continuous protection, then grease/oil containment is improved, but installation and repair become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease/oil containmentVSAvoidcover installation and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static uninterrupted cylinder to a dynamic multi-section structure that can be assembled and disassembled as needed. The sections are connected through fastening mechanisms that allow the cover to adapt between a continuous protective barrier during operation and separable components during installation/maintenance, enabling both effective containment and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the cover contacts the universal joint to secure it in place, then the cover is held firmly, but the spinning joint damages the cover material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover attachment strengthVSAvoidcover lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is extracted from the cover itself and transferred to separate fastening mechanisms (U-bolts, clamps, or other fasteners) that connect the cover sections to the driveshaft or yoke. This extraction allows the cover to be firmly secured without any portion contacting the spinning universal joint, thereby maintaining strong attachment while preventing cover damage and extending lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Shape

If the cover is installed before connecting the driveshaft to other components, then the cover is properly positioned, but access to the universal joint and grease fitting is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover positioningVSAvoidaccess to universal joint for servicing

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple separable sections that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows service personnel to remove specific sections to access the universal joint and grease fitting for maintenance, while still maintaining proper cover positioning when assembled. The modular design enables both proper positioning during normal operation and easy access during servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static continuous structure to a dynamic multi-section design that can be configured differently for different operational states. During normal operation, the sections are assembled to provide continuous protection and proper positioning. During maintenance, the sections can be disassembled to provide access to the universal joint, enabling the cover to adapt to different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250215935A1Cover for a universal joint of a driveshaft

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 HUNTER RYAN D

AI summary

A cover for a universal joint of a driveshaft comprises a first section, a second section, at least two cover fasteners, and at least one driveshaft fastener. At least a first cover fastener of the at least two cover fasteners is configured to connect a first section first edge to a second section first edge. At least a second cover fastener of the at least two cover fasteners is configured to connect a first section second edge to a second section second edge. The at least one driveshaft fastener is configured to connect the cover to the driveshaft or a yoke thereof without any portion of the cover contacting the universal joint.