Universal Joint Feedthrough Layout for Complete Bearing Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lubrication devices for universal joints are cumbersome, often leading to inadequate lubrication of difficult-to-access areas, resulting in increased damage and are costly due to the complexity of parts and the need for accelerated components.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of lubricant feedthroughs in the journal cross, allowing for angled or parallel placement to facilitate lubrication of all mountings from a discrete standstill position, with separate feedthroughs for each end and centralized lubricant supply, enabling individual metering and pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lubrication is performed from each cap separately, then complete lubrication of all mountings is possible, but accessibility to all caps is required which is not always feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication completenessVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system is segmented into multiple feedthroughs, with at least one feedthrough assigned to each journal end. This allows independent lubrication of each mounting location through separately accessible feedthroughs, eliminating the need to access all caps simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Feedthroughs act as intermediary components that provide accessible lubrication points on the journal cross. These feedthroughs serve as intermediate access points between the external lubrication source and the internal bearings, making lubrication feasible without direct access to all bearing caps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple separate lubricators are provided for each bearing, then complete lubrication is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication coverageVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple lubrication functions are merged into a single integrated journal cross component. The journal cross incorporates feedthroughs that can serve multiple bearings through internal passage networks, reducing the number of separate lubricators needed while maintaining complete lubrication coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The journal cross is designed as a multi-functional component that combines structural support with integrated lubrication distribution. The feedthroughs and internal passages enable a single lubrication system to serve multiple bearings, making the journal cross a universal lubrication hub.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If co-rotating parts are used in the lubrication device, then lubrication during rotation is possible, but the parts must withstand accelerations and become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication continuityVSAvoidacceleration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the lubrication device rotate with the cardan shaft, the solution inverts the approach by providing stationary feedthroughs on the journal cross. The lubrication system remains stationary while the cardan shaft rotates, eliminating the need for accelerating lubrication components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11578763B2Method and device for lubricating a universal joint

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 VOITH PATENT GMBH

AI summary

A universal joint contains a first joint yoke and a second joint yoke. The first joint yoke and the second joint yoke are connected by a journal cross, ends of the journal cross being mounted in the joint yokes by bearings. In order to lubricate at least one of the bearings, at least one lubricant feed-through is provided, which is provided outside of a central bore of the journal cross.