Universal Joint Retainer Ring Axial Movement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joint designs face challenges in securely fastening the bearing cup to the cross shaft, which can lead to axial movement and contamination, affecting the joint's operational reliability and lubricant retention.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint design incorporating a retainer ring with a body, support flange, bearing cup retainer, cross shaft retainer, and seal that securely fastens the bearing cup to the cross shaft, preventing axial movement and contaminants while retaining lubricant within the bearing cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing universal joint designs are used without a retainer ring, then the structure is simpler, but the bearing cup cannot be securely fastened to the cross shaft, leading to axial movement and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for structural support, a bearing cup retainer portion for securing the bearing cup, a cross shaft retainer portion for attachment to the cross shaft, and a seal portion for contamination prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the bearing cup to the cross shaft, prevents axial movement, blocks contaminants, and retains lubricant. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the design improves reliability without requiring multiple separate parts, thus managing device complexity effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bearing cup is not securely retained, then axial movement occurs, but adding a retainer ring increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring merges the bearing cup retention function and cross shaft attachment function into a single integrated component. The body portion connects the bearing cup retainer portion and the cross shaft retainer portion, creating a unified structure that prevents axial movement while managing the added complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate retainers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bearing cup is loose, then contaminants can enter, but securing it requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The seal portion is nested within or integrated with the retainer ring structure, with the seal extending from the body to the cross shaft. This nesting approach allows the seal to be housed within the retainer ring's geometry, providing contaminant protection and lubricant retention without requiring a completely separate sealing system, thus managing device complexity while achieving harmful factor protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal joint having a retainer ring that secures a bearing cup to a cross shaft. A bearing cup retainer may secure the bearing cup to the retainer ring. A cross shaft retainer may secure the retainer ring to the cross shaft. A seal may extend from the body of the retainer ring to the cross shaft.