Split-Seal CV Joint Boot for Non-Circular Housing Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CV joint solutions face challenges in sealing non-circular housings without disassembling the drive components and require complex assembly or repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A split seal design that complements the geometry of CV joint housings, allowing easy application and replacement without disassembling the joint, using a split seal with complementary interior and exterior configurations and slits to accommodate various housing shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealed boot is used on a CV joint with non-circular housing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but assembly complexity increases and disassembly of drive parts is required
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two separate halves that can be installed independently around the CV joint housing. Each half boot can be fitted separately without requiring disassembly of the drive parts, and the two halves are then joined together to form a complete seal around the non-circular housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot halves are designed with specific local geometries that match the non-circular housing profile at different locations. The cross-sectional shape of the boot halves varies along their length to conform to the varying profile of the non-circular housing, enabling effective sealing without disassembly.
2Reliability
If a traditional sealed boot is used on a CV joint, then lubrication retention is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to required disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is segmented into two removable halves that can be taken off independently. This allows the boot to be replaced without disassembling the CV joint or drive parts - the halves are simply removed from the housing and shaft, and a new set of halves is installed in their place.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot halves are designed with flexible materials and joint mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically assembled and disassembled without rigid fastening. This enables quick replacement of the boot while maintaining the sealed environment for lubrication retention during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a boot with side slit is used to avoid disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single boot with a compromising side slit, the invention uses two separate boot halves without slits. Each half can be slipped onto the housing and shaft independently, and when joined together, they form a complete seal with no gaps or slits, maintaining both ease of application and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot halves are designed with asymmetric cross-sectional profiles that match the non-circular housing. This asymmetric geometry allows the halves to interlock and seal effectively against each other and the housing, preventing the sealing degradation that would result from a simple slitted design.
Data Source
AI summary
A boot assembly for a constant velocity joint. The boot has mating segments to encase the CV joint housing. A split seal is configured to open and pass over the CV joint housing and mate with the CV joint housing without dissembling the related drive components. The interior of the seal is configured for use with circular and non-circular CV joint housings.