Universal Joint Connector With Spherical Torque Transfer Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal joints face premature failure and wear due to stress on weak points like male and female axles, and the set springs lose their ability to maintain the connectors' position over time, leading to operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A central connector with a cylindrical body and integral arms that include spherical concave surfaces for maximum torque transfer, along with a positioning spring housed separately from the torque transfer area, to reduce wear and maintain connector alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque is transmitted through the male axle and female axle in conventional universal joints, then the universal joint can transmit torque at odd angles, but the axles experience stress leading to premature failure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the torque transmission path into two separate paths: one through the male axle and another through the female axle. Each axle is designed to handle only a portion of the total torque, specifically directing torque through the arms and openings rather than concentrating it on the axles themselves. This segmentation reduces the stress burden on each individual axle component.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female arms act as intermediary elements between the axles and the central connector. Instead of the axles directly transmitting torque through weak points, the arms serve as mediators that distribute and redirect the torque forces through more robust pathways, reducing stress on the axle components.
2Ease of operation
If set springs are positioned in openings that house male and female axles, then the springs can hold connectors in selected positions, but the openings wear out over time causing springs to lose positioning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the set spring positioning function from the axle housing openings and relocates it to dedicated positioning openings in the central connector. This separation allows the positioning mechanism to operate independently from the torque transmission path, preventing wear from torque forces from affecting positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the torque transmission function (handled by axles and arms) from the positioning function (handled by set springs in dedicated openings). This functional segmentation ensures that wear from torque transmission does not compromise the positioning capability, as each function operates through dedicated structural pathways.
3Power
If spherical concave surfaces are used for torque transfer, then torque transmission efficiency is enhanced through maximum surface area contact, but the structural complexity of the central connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates spherical concave surfaces in the central connector and corresponding spherical convex surfaces on the arms. This curved geometry provides maximum surface area contact for torque transfer, enhancing power transmission efficiency. The spherical design allows for smooth rotational movement while maintaining consistent contact pressure across the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into the central connector structure: torque reception from male arms, torque transmission to female arms, and positioning spring housing. By merging these functions into a single integrated component with carefully designed spherical surfaces and openings, the overall system complexity is managed while achieving superior torque transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A central connector for a universal joint and a universal joint utilizing said central connector. The central connector includes a substantially cylindrical body. The connector further includes a first and second pair of arms positioned orthogonal to one another. The body of the central connector also includes a male spherically concave surface between the first pair of arms, a female spherically concave surface between the second pair of arms. The body further defines an opening allowing communication between the male and female spherically concave surfaces.