Splined Axle Joint Retainer for Tool-Free Quick Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional securing mechanisms for connecting splined members in drivelines require excessive force and special tooling for assembly and disassembly, posing a challenge for efficient and tool-free secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect joint assembly featuring a retaining member with an annular portion and radially inward attachment features that securely engage with a circumferential groove on the male member, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly by meshing splined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing mechanisms (threaded fasteners, snap rings, circlips) are used to connect splined members, then reliable connection is achieved, but excessive force and special tooling are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed to be self-installing and self-securing. The C-shaped configuration with resilient arms allows the component to snap into place and lock automatically without requiring external tools or fasteners. The resilient arms engage with the circumferential groove to secure the male splined member to the female splined member through self-service action.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member incorporates resilient arms that can elastically deform during assembly and disassembly. This dynamic property allows the arms to flex outward for easy installation and then spring back to engage with the circumferential groove, providing secure locking without requiring excessive force or special tooling.
2Reliability
If conventional securing mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the use of tools and fasteners increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member integrates multiple functions into a single component: the C-shaped body provides the retaining structure, the resilient arms provide both the locking mechanism and the installation assistance, and the overall design eliminates the need for separate fasteners, tools, and multiple assembly steps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional securing mechanisms. By removing threaded fasteners, multiple snap rings, circlips, and special tooling requirements, the design achieves secure attachment with a single integrated retaining member that simplifies the overall assembly.
3Strength
If conventional securing mechanisms are used, then connection strength is maintained, but excessive assembly and disassembly forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms are designed with elastic properties that allow them to deform under minimal force during assembly and disassembly. The arms flex outward to accommodate the male splined member during installation, then spring back to engage with the circumferential groove, providing strong connection without requiring excessive assembly or disassembly forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms are pre-configured to provide cushioning during the assembly process. Their elastic nature absorbs the impact and force required for installation, preventing the need for excessive force while ensuring secure engagement. The arms are designed to deform in a controlled manner to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A joint assembly (10) including a female member (12), a male member (40) and a retaining member (60). The female member has a first axial end (18), a second axial end (20) and a cylindrical body portion (14) extending between the first axial end and the second axial end having a splined radially inner surface. The male member has a first axial end portion (42), a second axial end portion (46), and a splined tubular portion (44) extending between the first axial end portion and the second axial end portion. The retaining member (60) includes an annular portion and a plurality of attachment features defining an aperture. The second axial end portion of the male member has a circumferential groove (48) on the outer surface thereof. The second axial end portion of the male member extends through the aperture of the retaining member and the attachment features extend into the groove of the male member.