Universal Joint With Conical Interconnecting Portion for High Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joints have limited pivotal travel and are prone to vibration and damage when subjected to high torque, due to their design which does not allow for sufficient angular movement and results in deformation or breakage of the input shaft.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint design featuring a base with a receiving recess and a rotating member with a conical interconnecting portion, allowing for pivotal movement between 90° positions and distributing torque through a pin and groove system, reducing the force on the pin and stabilizing the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the input shaft diameter is increased to withstand high torque, then the torque capacity is improved, but the width between opposite sides of the attaching head becomes larger, making it difficult to fit in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching head is segmented into a main body portion and an extending portion. The main body portion has a smaller cross-sectional width that fits in limited spaces, while the extending portion provides the necessary leverage for torque application. This segmentation allows the attaching head to withstand high torque without requiring a uniformly large diameter throughout the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the pivotal travel angle is increased to operate in limited spaces, then the angular range is improved, but the universal joint becomes liable to shake or vibrate, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A damping element is introduced into the universal joint structure to cushion and absorb vibrations that occur during large-angle pivotal movement. This damping element is pre-installed to counteract the harmful vibrations before they can cause damage to the joint components, allowing the universal joint to safely operate through larger pivotal angles.
3Length of moving object
If the input shaft diameter is made smaller to fit in limited spaces, then the space requirement is reduced, but the input shaft becomes liable to deform or break under large torque
Solution Approach 1:
The input shaft is designed with a non-uniform cross-sectional profile, transitioning from a smaller diameter at the attaching head end to a larger diameter at the ball joint end. This dimensional variation along the shaft length allows the shaft to fit in limited spaces at the attaching head while providing sufficient strength and torque resistance at the ball joint end where the highest stresses occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal joint includes a rotating member having a pivotal portion received in a compartment defined by a peripheral wall at an end of a base. The rotating member includes a coupling portion and an interconnecting portion between the pivotal portion and the coupling portion. The interconnecting portion has a minimum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the pivotal portion but not smaller than a width of the coupling portion. A groove extends through the pivotal portion. A pin is extended through the peripheral wall of the base and the groove. The pivotal portion is pivotable relative to the base through an angle in the order of 90°.