Shaft Assembly Yoke Key Flat Torque Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp yoke assemblies in vehicles lack a reliable connection between the yoke and shaft, which can lead to inefficient torque transmission and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A shaft assembly with a yoke that features a key and flat surfaces, allowing for secure engagement with the shaft through a fastener that applies forces to deform the yoke, creating a stable connection by aligning and engaging the key and flat surfaces, thereby resisting torsional and axial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp yoke is used to connect to a shaft, then the connection can be established, but the connection reliability is insufficient leading to torque transmission inefficiency and stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke incorporates asymmetric features including a key that extends toward the first axis and a first bore first flat that is spaced apart from the key. These asymmetric geometric features create a non-symmetric engagement interface with the shaft, preventing relative rotation and ensuring positive mechanical engagement for reliable torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke is pre-configured with the key and flat surface features before assembly with the shaft. This preliminary preparation of the engagement features ensures that when the clamp is tightened, the torque load is immediately directed through the pre-positioned key and flat interface, eliminating the need for load-induced deformation to create engagement.
2Reliability
If a bolt applies force to deform the clamp yoke to connect it to the shaft, then the connection is established, but the connection stability is insufficient under torsional and axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism combines multiple engagement features (key, flat surface, and clamp deformation) into a composite engagement system. The key provides rotational constraint, the flat surface provides axial positioning, and the deformed clamp material provides clamping force, creating a multi-mode connection that resists both torsional and axial loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke features localized geometric characteristics including the key extending toward the first axis and the first bore first flat spaced apart from the key. These local structural features concentrate the engagement forces at specific locations, creating high-strength engagement points that can withstand torsional and axial forces without requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire yoke structure.
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 described shaft assembly provides a robust and reliable connection between the yoke and shaft, effectively transmitting torque and resisting substantial torsional and axial forces, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
A bolt may be inserted into the clamp yoke that applies a force to the clamp yoke to deform the clamp yoke about the shaft
Implementation Method 2
The first bore has an inner surface that defines a key that extends towards the first axis and a first bore first flat that extends along the first axis
Implementation Method 3
resisting substantial torsional and axial forces
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft assembly includes a yoke defining a first bore that extends from a first face towards a second face along a first axis. The first bore has an inner surface that defines a key that extends towards the first axis and a first bore first flat that extends along the first axis and is spaced apart from the key. A second bore that extends from a third face towards a fourth face along a second axis that is disposed transverse to the first axis. The third face and the fourth face each extend between the first face and the second face.