Splined Slip Yoke Assembly for Axial Travel and Low Driveline Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip yoke assemblies in vehicle drivetrains face challenges in efficiently distributing mass, reducing noise and vibration, and simplifying manufacturing complexity, while also requiring modifications to existing axle assembly components to accommodate length adjustments due to suspension articulation.
Innovation Solution
The slip yoke assembly comprises a shaft sleeve, a yoke sleeve, and a yoke, allowing for axial movement and rotation, with splines and threads that facilitate secure mounting and axial movement, reducing component count and mass, and enabling direct attachment to existing axle assemblies without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing slip yoke assemblies are used to accommodate length adjustments due to suspension articulation, then the drivetrain can adapt to varying lengths, but modifications to existing axle assembly components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The slip yoke assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides universal joint functionality for torque transmission while simultaneously accommodating length adjustments due to suspension articulation. The splined interface between the shaft sleeve and yoke sleeve enables both rotational movement and axial displacement, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and modifications to axle assembly components.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip yoke assembly incorporates dynamic capabilities through the splined connection that allows axial movement between the shaft sleeve and yoke sleeve. This dynamic interface enables the assembly to adapt to varying lengths during suspension articulation while maintaining torque transmission, replacing static fixed-length connections that would require modifications to accommodate movement.
2Power
If traditional slip yoke assemblies are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the physical parameters of the splined interface, including spline geometry, surface finish, and material properties, to reduce vibration and noise while maintaining torque transmission capability. The modified spline parameters create smoother engagement and reduce impact loads compared to traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined interface is designed to convert potential harmful impacts and vibrations into controlled sliding motion along the spline teeth. The gradual engagement of spline teeth during axial movement transforms impact loads into continuous contact forces, reducing noise and vibration while maintaining effective torque transmission.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for mounting and movement, then functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mounting function and axial movement capability into a single integrated splined interface between the shaft sleeve and yoke sleeve. This consolidated design eliminates the need for separate mounting components and adjustment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining full functionality for secure mounting and axial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The splined interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting, enables axial movement, and allows rotational torque transmission. This multi-functionality in a single interface reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing compared to using separate components for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A slip yoke assembly (10) having a shaft sleeve (50), a yoke sleeve (52), and a yoke (54). The yoke sleeve (52) may have a set of yoke sleeve splines (110) that may mate with a set of shaft sleeve splines (82) and permit axial movement of the yoke sleeve (52) with respect to the shaft sleeve (50). The yoke (54) may be fixedly disposed on the yoke sleeve (52).