Serviceable Plug-On Joint Assembly for High Axial Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug-on constant velocity joints used in vehicles face challenges with axial retention under high thrust loads and lack easy maintenance access, as snap rings are not easily accessible for disassembly after assembly.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly with a robust retaining ring system that includes an access window and a retaining ring with outward-facing tabs, allowing for disassembly without heavy prying tools, providing at least 1,500 lb of retention force and facilitating easy maintenance by allowing access to the retaining ring through the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a snap ring is used to axially retain the CV joint, then axial retention force is provided, but the snap ring becomes inaccessible for maintenance after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that provides axial retention within the joint assembly, and a second portion that extends through an access window for maintenance access. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function independently while being part of the same retaining mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means transitions from a purely internal axial retention function to a multi-dimensional structure where part of it extends through an access window in a different spatial dimension. This allows maintenance personnel to access the retaining means from the exterior of the joint assembly rather than requiring disassembly of the entire joint.
2Reliability
If the snap ring is made robust to withstand high thrust loads, then retention reliability improves, but maintenance difficulty increases due to lack of access
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is segmented into a first portion for high-strength retention and a second portion for accessibility. The first portion can be designed with robust geometry to withstand high thrust loads, while the second portion provides leverage points for maintenance tools without compromising the overall retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the retaining means acts as an intermediary element that allows maintenance tools to interact with the first portion. By providing access points through the window, tools can apply force to the second portion to manipulate the first portion for disassembly and reassembly.
3Ease of repair
If forced disassembly with pry tools is used, then maintenance access is enabled, but the joint cannot withstand high thrust loads on live beam axle applications
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is segmented to provide both high-strength retention capability and maintenance access capability simultaneously. The first portion maintains robust retention for high thrust loads, while the second portion extending through the window enables proper tool access for controlled disassembly without requiring forced pry methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the retaining means fully accessible (which would compromise retention strength), the design inverts the approach by making part of it accessible through a window while keeping the main retention portion robust and internal. This allows maintenance access without sacrificing thrust load capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly includes a first member having splines formed therein. A second member includes splines formed thereon and is coupled to the first member. The splines of the first member engage the splines of the second member. An access window is formed on the first member. A ring retains the first member to the second member. A portion of the ring is accessible through the access window, where the ring can be manipulated to release the first member from the second member.