Universal Joint Axial Bearing Support Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty cardan shafts require high material thickness for axial bearing support, leading to increased installation space and reduced radial bearing capacity, which limits torque transmission and service life.
Innovation Solution
The axial bearing is relocated and supported on the inside of the fork bore, minimizing the distance between force introduction and support, allowing for a robust axial bearing design without additional contact rims, and maximizing radial bearing capacity by extending the radial bearings outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the axial bearing is supported on the outside of the fork bore (on locking ring, contact collar, or cover), then the axial bearing can be positioned away from the force introduction point, but the material thickness required reduces the radial bearing capacity and increases installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional support position of the axial bearing from the outside of the fork bore to the inside, specifically on the force introduction point. This inversion allows the axial bearing to be directly supported where the force is introduced, eliminating the need for additional contact rims and maximizing the use of available material thickness for radial bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If the material thickness in the fork bore area is increased to support the axial bearing, then the axial bearing support is strengthened, but the installation space increases and the radial bearing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function for the axial bearing directly into the force introduction point of the fork bore. By combining these two functions at the same location, the design eliminates the need for separate support structures and additional material thickness, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining reliable axial bearing support.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radial bearing area is reduced to accommodate axial bearing support structures, then the axial bearing can be supported, but the torque transmission capacity and service life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support function for the axial bearing from separate external structures (locking rings, contact collars, covers) and integrates it directly into the force introduction point. This extraction eliminates the need for additional support structures that would otherwise reduce the radial bearing area, thereby preserving torque transmission capacity and extending service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a universal joint arrangement for an articulated shaft, particularly a heavy-duty articulated shaft. The universal joint arrangement comprises two joint forks (3) having fork holes, and a journal cross (1). The journals (2) of the journal cross (1) are each supported through bearing devices in the fork holes (4). The bearing devices comprise at least one axial bearing (10) and at least one radial bearing (5) for the respective journal (2). The axial bearing (10) is arranged in the area of the journal shoulder (2). The fork hole (4) comprises a contact collar (13) on the inside of said fork hole (4), and the journal shoulder (12) of the respective journal comprises a contact surface (11). The axial bearing (10) is now arranged between the contact surface and the contact collar (13). A minimum path between the force application and the support of the axial bearing (10) is thereby realized, which makes possible an extremely robust axial bearing support and which can do without additional attachment rims for supporting axial force. The installation space gained can be used advantageously to increase the radial bearing capacity.