Universal Joint With Elastic Torsion Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional universal joints are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their complex structure with multiple moving parts, which complicates their design and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A simplified universal joint design utilizing coaxial cylindrical bands with slots and stiffeners, along with a flexible stem and torsion bars, allows for articulation through elastic deformation without relative movement between parts, reducing the number of components and enhancing structural simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional universal joint uses multiple moving parts to enable perpendicular rotations, then the articulation functionality is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky, heavy, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (yokes, bearings, cross-shaped elements) into a single integrated elastic body. This monolithic structure eliminates the need for multiple moving parts while maintaining the perpendicular rotation capability, directly resolving the contradiction between functionality and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of rigid parts with relative movement with an elastic deformation system. The single elastic body deforms elastically to accommodate perpendicular rotations, substituting mechanical relative movement with elastic deformation and thereby reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional universal joint uses multiple moving parts, then the articulation is enabled, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation functionalityVSAvoidjoint weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple separate components into one integrated elastic body, the patent eliminates the weight of multiple parts, fasteners, and connecting elements. The single-piece construction significantly reduces overall joint weight while preserving articulation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Replacing the heavy mechanical system of rigid components with an elastic deformation mechanism reduces weight. The elastic body requires no heavy bearings, lubrication systems, or precision-machined interfaces, achieving weight reduction while maintaining rotational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional universal joint uses multiple moving parts, then the articulation is enabled, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticulation functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple manufactured components into a single elastic body that can be produced as one piece. This eliminates costly assembly operations, reduces the number of precision-machined parts, and simplifies quality control, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining articulation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Replacing the complex mechanical system with an elastic deformation system simplifies manufacturing. The elastic body can be formed through casting, forging, or additive manufacturing as a single component, eliminating the need for multiple precision machining operations and assembly steps required by traditional mechanical designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 results in a lightweight, cost-effective universal joint with a straightforward structure that maintains functionality by utilizing elastic deformation to enable perpendicular rotations, thus addressing the bulkiness and cost issues of traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

The four torsion bars 106a-b are distributed at regular angular intervals of 90° around the common axis 15... When the universal joint 100 is loaded, the torsion bars 106a-b deform in torsion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3222865B1Universal joint with simplified structure

Publication Date: 2018.05.09 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a universal joint (100) comprising: - a first band (102a) and a second band (102b) which are separated by a slot (104), are cylindrical and coaxial with one another with respect to a common axis (15), - a first stiffener (108a) whose ends are joined to the first band (102a), and a second stiffener (108b) whose ends are joined to the second band (102b), - a stem (110) which extends between the first stiffener (108a) and the second stiffener (108b), - a crown (112) around the stem (110), - four torsion bars (106a-b), of which two extend between the crown (112) and the first band (102a) and two extend between the crown (112) and the second band (102b). Such a universal joint (100) thus has a relatively simple structure.