Shaft Journal Groove and Securing Ring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a constant velocity universal joint to a shaft journal is complicated due to limited space and requires secure axial fixing while minimizing strength impact on the shaft, with existing solutions being cumbersome and prone to disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting assembly featuring a shaft journal with an outer journal groove, a sleeve-like inner joint part, a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring, and securing means to prevent radial widening, allowing for secure axial fixing with minimal strength reduction and easy assembly/dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connecting assembly with multiple components is used to securely fix the inner joint part axially, then the axial fixing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial securing ring and the shaft journal into a single integrated component. The securing ring is formed as an integral part of the shaft journal, eliminating the need for separate securing rings, retaining rings, or other fastening elements. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the axial fixing function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a deep journal groove is created to accommodate the axial securing ring, then the axial fixing security is improved, but the shaft strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local reinforcement at the journal groove location. A reinforcing rib extends axially from the outer surface of the shaft journal at the groove position, providing localized structural support. This allows the groove to be deep enough for secure axial fixing while the reinforcing rib compensates for the strength reduction, resolving the contradiction between fixing security and shaft strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple axial groove design is used, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the resistance to centrifugal and axial forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the journal groove with a curved, arc-shaped cross-section rather than a straight linear groove. The groove extends circumferentially around the shaft journal with a radius of curvature, creating a arc-shaped receiving space for the axial securing ring. This curved geometry provides better mechanical interlocking and resistance to centrifugal and axial forces while remaining manufacturable, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and force resistance.
4Reliability
If multiple securing components are used to prevent disconnection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly and dismantling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the axial securing ring and shaft journal into one integral component, eliminating multiple separate securing elements. This single integrated design maintains connection reliability through the groove-ring geometry while dramatically simplifying assembly and dismantling operations, as fewer components need to be handled and positioned during installation and removal.
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
Ensures secure axial fixing with protection against centrifugal and axial forces, maintains shaft strength, and simplifies assembly with a compact design requiring fewer parts and less installation space, while allowing for easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring (30) which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part (6)
Implementation Method 2
if there occur centrifugal forces or if axial forces are introduced into the connecting assembly, the securing means offer an effective protection against radial widening of the axial securing ring
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly which is used, more particularly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal 3 with an outer journal groove 34; a constant velocity universal joint 4 with an inner joint part 6 which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal 3 in a rotationally fixed way, wherein the inner joint part 6 comprises a sleeve-like portion 20 with an inner annular groove 35; a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring 30 which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part 6 and which is positioned in the journal groove 34 of the shaft journal 3; and securing means 41 which are fixed to the sleeve-like portion 20 and prevent the axial securing ring 30 from being radially widened.