Split Boot Zipper Closure for CV Joint Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current split boot designs for CV joints and bearing assemblies are inadequate in providing a durable and easy-to-install environmental seal, leading to premature joint failure and increased repair costs due to flexing seams and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A split boot design featuring a durable zipper closure for the axial seam, made from flexible materials like rubber or neoprene, allowing for easy clamping and improved sealing, reducing the need for complete assembly removal and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bolted split seam is used to allow boot installation over the half shaft, then ease of installation is improved, but environmental sealing deteriorates because the seam pulls apart during flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). The adhesive creates a permanent bond between the boot halves that maintains sealing integrity while allowing the boot to flex during operation, eliminating the seam pull-apart problem inherent in bolted constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the bonding mechanism from mechanical (reversible, rigid) to chemical (permanent, flexible). The adhesive allows for parameter changes in terms of bonding strength and flexibility, creating a seal that can accommodate the dynamic flexing of the boot while maintaining environmental protection.
2Reliability
If a glued seam is used to improve environmental sealing, then reliability is improved, but installation complexity increases due to multiple gluing operations and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the boot halves with adhesive before assembly. This allows the adhesive to begin its bonding process in advance, and the boot can be installed immediately without requiring multiple separate gluing operations. The preliminary application of adhesive simplifies the overall installation process while ensuring proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (cleaning, adhesive application, assembly, clamping) into a more integrated process. By using an adhesive system that can be applied and activated in sequence during a single installation operation, the patent reduces the number of distinct steps required compared to traditional multi-step gluing processes.
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the boot seam, then sealing is improved, but contamination from grease and dirt prevents proper adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent emphasizes preliminary cleaning of the boot surfaces before adhesive application. By removing grease, dirt, and other contaminants in advance, the adhesive can bond directly to the boot material without interference. This preliminary preparation step is critical to achieving proper adhesion and sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a surface preparation intermediary step between the contaminated boot surface and the adhesive. This includes cleaning agents and surface treatment processes that mediate between the harmful contaminants and the adhesive bonding process, ensuring the adhesive can properly adhere to the boot material.
4Ease of operation
If the boot material is made more flexible to facilitate clamping, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material properties in the boot construction, combining flexible outer layers with sealing-enhancing inner layers. The boot material is engineered to provide both the flexibility needed for easy clamping and the sealing capability required for environmental protection. The adhesive system works in conjunction with these composite materials to maintain sealing integrity regardless of material flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A split boot design for applications that contain Constant Velocity (CV) joints and/or other bearing assemblies where boots and/or covers are employed for, e.g., protection from the outside environment, assisting in retaining lubrication for the assembly, etc. A split boot design in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes zippers along one or more axial seams, providing easier replacement of the boot and decreased manufacturing costs.