Universal Joint Bearing Cup Assembly for Lower Friction Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional universal joint assemblies are complex, heavy, and inefficient due to the need for numerous components to manage loads in tangential and radial planes, leading to increased friction, cost, complexity, and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint assembly design featuring a bearing cup assembly with frusto-conical trunnions and side surfaces, where bearings are interposed between the trunnions and the bearing cup, and sealing members provide support and reduce friction, eliminating the need for thrust washers and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional universal joint assemblies use numerous components to manage loads in tangential and radial planes, then load carrying capacity is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple load-carrying functions into a single integrated bearing cup assembly that handles both tangential and radial loads simultaneously. The bearing cup with its specific geometry and bearing arrangement eliminates the need for separate thrust washers and other components, merging what were previously distinct load-management elements into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing cup assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports radial loads through the bearing, handles tangential loads through its frusto-conical geometry, provides sealing, and maintains proper alignment. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining load carrying capacity.
2Strength
If conventional universal joint assemblies include additional components to carry loads, then load management is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functions of thrust washers, bearings, and sealing elements into a single integrated bearing cup assembly, the patent eliminates the weight of multiple separate components. The unified structure achieves the same load management capability with reduced total mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the traditional universal joint design. By removing separate thrust washers and other redundant elements that were previously needed to manage loads, the design achieves load management capability with fewer parts and reduced weight.
3Strength
If conventional universal joint assemblies use numerous components, then load distribution is improved, but friction and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bearing cup assembly reduces the number of contact interfaces between components. By combining multiple elements into one unified structure, the patent minimizes the number of friction points where energy is lost, while still maintaining proper load distribution through the bearing and cup geometry.
4Reliability
If conventional universal joint assemblies include additional components, then durability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sealing, bearing support, and load-carrying functions into a single integrated bearing cup assembly. This reduction in the number of discrete components decreases potential failure points from component interfaces while maintaining durability through the robust integrated design.
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
This design reduces friction, enhances efficiency, improves balancing, decreases weight and complexity, and increases the assembly's life and durability while being more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the one or more bearings are interposed between the outer surface of the one or more trunnions and one or more side surfaces of the receiving portion in the bearing cup
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the one or more sealing members may be connected to and/or sealingly engaged with at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more trunnions of the one or more third joint members
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for use in a vehicle. The joint assembly includes a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by one or more third joint members. The joint assembly further includes one or more bearing cup assemblies having a bearing cup, one or more bearings and one or more sealing members. The bearing cup has a receiving portion having a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more trunnions extending from a body portion of the one or more third joint members. At least a portion of the one or more bearings are interposed between the one or more trunnions and one or more side surfaces of the receiving portion. Additionally, the one or more sealing members may be connected to and/or sealingly engaged with at least a portion of the outer surface of the one or more trunnions.