Universal Joint Lubrication Passages for Hard-to-Reach Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricating devices for universal joints are complex, expensive, and inefficient, often leading to inadequate lubrication of hard-to-reach bearings due to their design, which results in increased damage and defects.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least one lubricant passage in the cross-member to supply lubricant to universal joint bearings, allowing for separate lubrication of bearings at 90° or 180° angles, with adjustable pressure and central lubricant supply lines, enabling convenient lubrication from a single standstill position without requiring position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lubrication devices are provided for each bearing, then each bearing can be lubricated independently, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lubrication functions into a single lubrication device located on the joint fork. This single device can supply lubricant to multiple bearings (both radial and axial bearings) through integrated lubrication passages, eliminating the need for separate lubrication devices for each bearing while maintaining independent lubrication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication device on the joint fork is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal lubrication point that can deliver lubricant to different bearings serving different functions (radial and axial bearings) through a single integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If lubrication access points are provided on all sides of the universal joint, then all bearings can be lubricated regardless of position, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubrication function to be performed from a single accessible location (the joint fork) rather than requiring access from all sides. The lubrication device is positioned on the joint fork where it can deliver lubricant to all bearings through internal passages, eliminating the need for multiple access points on different sides of the universal joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint fork acts as an intermediary structure that houses the lubrication device and serves as the single access point. From this intermediate location, lubricant is distributed to all bearings through passages in the cross member, eliminating the need for direct access points on all sides of the universal joint assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a stationary lubrication point is used, then lubrication can be performed independently of universal joint movement, but the lubricant supply to all bearings becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lubrication pathways into a single stationary lubrication device on the joint fork. This device integrates passages that deliver lubricant to both radial and axial bearings simultaneously, maintaining lubrication convenience while improving efficiency through combined delivery to multiple bearings.
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
This solution simplifies the lubrication process, ensures all bearings can be adequately lubricated, reduces component count, and withstands mechanical accelerations, thereby extending the service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one passage for lubricant (41) is formed in the journal cross (9) for the supply of lubricant to one of the bearings (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a universal joint, comprising a first joint yoke and a second joint yoke. The first joint yoke and the second joint yoke are connected by means of a journal cross, ends of the journal cross being mounted in the joint yokes by means of 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.