Propeller Shaft Slip Member With Radial Crash-Force Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propeller shaft assemblies are prone to buckling and causing injury or damage during vehicle crashes, as they transmit forces that can penetrate the passenger compartment and harm nearby components.
Innovation Solution
A propeller shaft assembly with a crash collapse assembly that includes a coupling system with joint members and a crash collapse adapter, which absorbs forces by radially collapsing a retaining member into a groove upon predetermined force application, preventing buckling and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional propeller shaft assemblies are used to transmit rotational energy, then torque transmission is achieved, but the shafts buckle and penetrate the passenger compartment during crashes causing injury and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a crash collapse assembly with a retaining member and collapse feature designed to absorb crash forces before they can penetrate the passenger compartment. The retaining member is positioned to radially collapse upon impact, creating a cushioning effect that prevents the propeller shaft from buckling and penetrating forward, thereby protecting occupants and other vehicle components from injury and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful crash forces that would normally cause the propeller shaft to buckle and penetrate into a beneficial force that triggers the radial collapse of the retaining member. This collapse absorbs the impact energy, transforming the harmful kinetic force into a protective mechanism that safeguards the passenger compartment and other vehicle components.
2Power
If the propeller shaft assembly is designed to be rigid for torque transmission, then torque transmission efficiency is improved, but damage to nearby vehicle components occurs during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propeller shaft assembly into distinct functional zones: a rigid torque transmission section and a crash collapse section. The crash collapse assembly, including the retaining member with radial collapse capability, is positioned at the forward end to absorb impact forces, while the main shaft body maintains structural integrity for torque transmission. This segmentation allows the shaft to perform both functions without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the forward end portion of the propeller shaft (the crash collapse assembly) collapsible, while the rest of the shaft remains rigid for effective torque transmission. The retaining member is specifically designed with a collapse feature at its forward end, allowing localized deformation to absorb crash forces without affecting the overall structural integrity or torque transmission capability of the main shaft body.
3Reliability
If a crash collapse assembly is added to the propeller shaft, then crash force absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crash collapse functionality with the existing propeller shaft assembly by integrating the retaining member as part of the slip member structure. The retaining member with its collapse feature is positioned within the existing joint assembly, combining the torque transmission function with the crash force absorption function in a unified structure, thereby minimizing additional complexity while maximizing safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member serves multiple functions: it normally operates as part of the torque transmission system during vehicle operation, and simultaneously functions as a crash force absorption mechanism when impacted. The collapse feature allows the same component to provide both mechanical connection and energy absorption, eliminating the need for separate dedicated crash protection components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 crash collapse assembly effectively absorbs crash forces, reducing the risk of injury to passengers and damage to nearby components, enhancing vehicle safety by allowing the shaft to absorb and distribute forces during accidents.
Implementation Method 1
Upon the application of a pre-determined amount of force onto the retaining member, the retaining member radially collapses into the retaining member groove in the outer surface of the increased diameter portion of the first shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle shaft assembly (500). The shaft assembly includes a coupling assembly having a first (506), a second (508) and a third (510) joint member. A substantially cylindrical body portion of the second joint member is drivingly connected to a first shaft (560) having an increased diameter portion. The increased diameter portion of the first shaft has a retaining member groove (604) circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of the increased diameter portion. At least a portion of the increased diameter portion of the first shaft is drivingly connected to a crash collapse adapter (608) having a crash collapse feature circumferentially extending along an inner surface of the crash collapse adapter. A second shaft (640) is integrally connected to at least a portion of an outer surface of the crash collapse adapter (608). At least a portion of a retaining member is disposed within the retaining member groove and the crash collapse feature.