Universal Joint Cover Assembly Segmentation for Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for closing circular bearing ports in universal joints, such as using small bolts or large snap rings, fail to adequately secure the ports under load, leading to deformation and potential breakage, limiting the load capacity of universal joints in heavy industrial applications like rolling mills.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising separate interlocking segments with a key and O-ring system, where the segments form an integral circular cover with a rotational fixation mechanism, allowing the cover to 'float' radially and absorb stress, thereby securing the bearing port without relying on small bolts or thin structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If small bolts are used to secure covers to bearing ports, then the number of bolts can be reduced for fitting, but the bolts loosen or break under load due to yoke deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple segments (typically three) that can be assembled around the bearing port and interconnected. This segmentation allows the cover to accommodate yoke deformation while maintaining secure closure, as each segment can flex independently rather than requiring a rigid single-piece cover that would fail under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover segments are designed with flexible connections between them, allowing the cover assembly to flex and accommodate yoke deformation under load. This flexibility prevents the cover from breaking or loosening while maintaining its sealing function, eliminating the need for numerous small bolts.
2Reliability
If large snap rings are used to hold covers in place, then the covers can be secured, but the snap rings are difficult to use and create stress risers due to sharp grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple pieces that can be assembled around the bearing port and interconnected with fasteners. This approach eliminates the need for difficult-to-install snap rings while distributing the securing function across multiple connection points, making installation easier and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using snap rings that directly engage with sharp grooves in the yoke, the invention uses an intermediary cover assembly with segments that connect to each other and to the yoke in a more gradual manner. This intermediary structure eliminates the stress concentration caused by sharp grooves while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If bearing ports are configured as blind bores, then the ports can be closed, but the yoke becomes very thin over the port and becomes a high stress area that breaks out
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into segments that can be assembled around the bearing port, allowing the cover to apply distributed closing force rather than concentrating stress at a single location. This segmentation prevents the yoke from becoming a high-stress thin section while still achieving port closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover segments are designed with flexible connections that allow the cover to dynamically accommodate yoke deformation under load. This dynamic design prevents stress concentration in the yoke by allowing the cover to flex with the yoke rather than imposing rigid constraints that would create high stress areas.
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
Enhances the load capacity of universal joints by providing a secure and stress-absorbing cover assembly that prevents deformation and breakage, ensuring reliable operation in heavy industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
The O-ring may be resiliently compressible and may be configured and dimensioned to radially confine the integral circular cover
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for a circular bearing port in the yoke of a universal joint comprises a plurality of separate cover segments configured and dimensioned for insertion into the port in positions coacting with each other to close the port. Each of the cover segments has an outer edge seated in a locking groove circumscribing an interior surface of the port. The cover segments are interconnected to form an integral circular cover, and the cover is rotationally fixed with respect to the yoke.