Staked Constant Velocity Joint Inner Race for Axial Lash Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant velocity joints in driveline systems require additional structural components for retention, which increase cost and contribute to noise and vibration due to axial lash.
Innovation Solution
A constant velocity joint design that secures the shaft member to the inner race using a stake structure or press fit, eliminating the need for separate retention components and reducing axial lash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional structural components are used to retain the constant velocity joint to the shaft, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is merged directly into the shaft member by forming a stake structure as an integral part of the shaft. This eliminates the need for separate retention components while maintaining reliable retention of the constant velocity joint inner race to the shaft, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without sacrificing retention reliability.
2Reliability
If additional structural components are used for retention, then retention reliability is improved, but noise and vibration increase due to axial lash
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention feature into the shaft member itself through an integral stake structure, the design eliminates separate retention components that create interfaces and axial lash. The stake structure provides continuous contact and eliminates gaps between the constant velocity joint inner race and the shaft, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining retention reliability.
3Reliability
If separate retention components are used, then retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is combined with the shaft member as an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate retention components. This reduces the total part count, simplifies assembly operations, and lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable retention through the stake structure that mechanically locks the constant velocity joint inner race to the shaft.
4Reliability
If separate retention components are used, then retention reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the retention feature directly into the shaft member as a stake structure, the design eliminates multiple separate components and their associated assembly steps. The stake structure is formed as part of the shaft manufacturing process, simplifying assembly to a single operation where the constant velocity joint inner race is retained by the integrated stake feature, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining retention reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces noise and vibration by eliminating axial lash and lowers costs through simplified assembly, using a stake structure or press fit to retain the shaft member and inner race.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft member is staked to the inner race to axially retain the shaft member to the inner race
Implementation Method 2
the shaft member is press fit to the inner race within the central opening to axially retain the shaft member to the inner race
Data Source
AI summary
A constant velocity joint includes an inner race having a main body defining a central opening. The constant velocity joint also includes a shaft member extending through the central opening, wherein the shaft member is staked to the inner race to axially retain the shaft member to the inner race.