Universal Joint Axial Bearing Elastic Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal joint arrangements in cardan shafts face issues with deformations under torque and transverse accelerations, leading to misalignments, uneven radial pressure distribution, and reduced load-bearing capacity due to high edge stresses and relative movements between bearing components.
Innovation Solution
A bearing system with an axial plain bearing element that features elevations and recesses to allow for elastic deflection and relative movement, preventing contact in areas of high load and ensuring a partially elastic form fit, thereby reducing stress and maintaining load-bearing capacity under high axial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If roller bearings are used for radial and axial support, then the bearing arrangement can handle high basic torque, but elastic deformations under load cause misalignments, uneven radial pressure distribution, and high edge stresses that reduce load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the axial bearing from rigid (roller bearing) to elastic (plastic disc with elastic properties). This elastic material can accommodate deformations of the yoke and spider while maintaining contact, preventing misalignments and uneven pressure distribution that occur with rigid roller bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite bearing system combining roller bearings for radial support with a plastic disc axial bearing. The plastic disc material provides elastic compliance to accommodate deformations, while the roller bearings handle radial loads, creating a composite solution that addresses both torque capacity and deformation accommodation.
2Force
If the axial bearing is designed as a roller bearing with stiff embedding, then axial support is provided, but high constraining forces and edge stresses occur when relative movements are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the axial bearing from rigid (roller bearing) to elastic (plastic disc). This elastic material allows relative movements between the spider and yoke while providing axial support, eliminating the high constraining forces and edge stresses that occur with stiff roller bearing embeddings.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized bearing design is used, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but it cannot adequately accommodate specific load cases and deformation paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standardized plastic disc axial bearing design that can be manufactured with simple geometries (circular or annular contact surfaces). The elastic material properties allow this standardized design to accommodate various deformation paths and load cases without requiring complex custom geometries, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving 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 solution effectively mitigates the negative effects of deformations by allowing free space for relative movements, preventing contact in high-load areas and ensuring a play-free contact in support areas, thus enhancing the load-bearing capacity and reducing edge stresses in the bearing system.
Implementation Method 1
the axial plain bearing shaped element bears against the universal joint arrangement in the elevation area without an active operating load and deflects elastically into this area under load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a universal joint arrangement (1) with a bearing arrangement (9, 10) comprising a radial bearing (13) and an axial bearing (17), wherein the axial bearing is designed as a sliding bearing. The axial bearing comprises at least one axial sliding bearing element (2) which, forming a first sliding pair (20.1), is at least indirectly connected to a joint fork (6) and a second sliding pair (20.1).2) is supported at least indirectly on the pivot cross (3); - the axial sliding bearing element comprises a first flat end face and a second end face characterized by at least one raised area; - the raised area forms a support area (29, 30, 37, 38) which forms a sliding surface of the first or second sliding pair; - the axial sliding bearing element is arranged such that, in the state without operating load of the universal joint arrangement, it rests with the support area on the connecting element and, under load, elastically springs into it, wherein the area(s) free of the support area (31, 32) on the second end face are free from contact with the connecting elements in every operating state, and wherein, in the installed position, the support area is arranged in the area of low relative movement of the connecting elements, while the areas free of the support area are located in the area of maximum relative movement in the installed position.