Splined Quick-Connect Joint Assembly for Tool-Free Driveline Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional securing mechanisms for connecting components in motor vehicle drivelines require excessive force and special tooling for assembly and disassembly, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect joint assembly featuring a female member with a splined radially inner surface and a male member with a splined tubular portion, secured by a retaining member with attachment features that allow for a tool-free, pop-on interlocking connection without excessive assembly forces, utilizing a retaining ring that fits into a groove on the male member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing mechanisms (threaded fasteners, snap rings, circlips) are used to connect male and female splined members, then the connection is secure and reliable, but excessive force and special tooling are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is divided into a retaining ring portion and a plurality of attachment features (lugs or tabs) that are integrally formed but functionally distinct. The retaining ring provides the securing function while the attachment features engage with the circumferential groove, allowing the assembly to be secured through simple radial insertion without threaded fasteners or excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment features (lugs or tabs) are positioned to extend into the circumferential groove on the male member, creating a nested configuration where the retaining member encompasses the male member's groove feature. This nested arrangement provides secure retention while allowing easy assembly through radial insertion.
2Reliability
If conventional securing mechanisms with multiple fasteners are used, then the connection is secure, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member integrates multiple functions into a single component: the retaining ring portion provides the securing function while the integrally formed attachment features (lugs or tabs) provide engagement with the circumferential groove. This merging eliminates the need for separate fasteners, snap rings, and circlips, reducing component count while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it retains the male member on the female member, provides structural support through the retaining ring, and engages with the circumferential groove through the attachment features. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If threaded fasteners and multiple fastening components are used, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features (lugs or tabs) are pre-formed as integral parts of the retaining member, positioned to automatically engage with the circumferential groove on the male member during assembly. This preliminary configuration allows the components to self-align and secure through simple radial insertion without requiring time-consuming threading or complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is designed to self-secure through the interaction between the attachment features and the circumferential groove. When the male member is inserted into the female member, the attachment features automatically engage with the groove, providing secure retention without requiring external tools, fasteners, or excessive assembly forces.
Data Source
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.