Synchronizing Joint Roller Retention for Cleaner Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joints, such as cardan joints, are unable to compensate for distance variations between driveshaft and cylinder block, leading to complex assembly processes that contaminate hydraulic fluid and result in potential operational breakdowns due to the use of grease for temporary fixation.
Innovation Solution
A synchronizing joint with embossed areas on roller carriers to secure rollers in place, preventing them from slipping off during assembly and operation, utilizing a laser application to enhance the diameter locally and ensure secure mounting without additional material or mechanical processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grease is used for temporary fixation of rollers during assembly, then rollers can be held in place during handling, but hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated and operational breakdowns may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (grease) is completely removed from the assembly process. Instead of using grease for temporary fixation, the patent employs a mechanical retention mechanism where the roller carrier's geometry itself prevents roller drop-off during handling and assembly, eliminating contamination risk to the hydraulic fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The roller carrier is designed to be self-retaining for the rollers through its own structural features (such as recesses or geometric constraints), eliminating the need for external substances like grease. The structure serves its own retention function without requiring additional materials that could cause contamination
2Ease of manufacture
If rollers are loosely mounted on roller carriers, then assembly is simple, but rollers may slip off during handling and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The roller carrier features localized geometric modifications (such as recesses, grooves, or shaped surfaces) at specific locations where rollers are mounted. These local structural features provide retention without requiring complex overall design or additional components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring roller security
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 solution provides a secure, assembly-friendly, and cost-effective universal joint that prevents roller drop-off during handling and assembly, reducing contamination of hydraulic fluid and facilitating automatic assembly, while maintaining the robustness and reliability of hydrostatic bent axis axial piston units.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a laser application to enhance the diameter locally
Data Source
AI summary
A joint for the angularly adjustable drive-connection of a cylinder block and a driveshaft of a hydrostatic bent axis piston unit. The joint has a shank which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis defining a joint axis, on both ends of the shank roller carriers project radially and basically perpendicular to the joint axis. On each roller carrier a roller is provided rotatable around a roller axis. The rollers are secured in axial direction against slipping-off of the roller carriers by means of an embossed area located axially outside of the roller on the respective distal end portion of the roller carrier.