Vehicle Joint Connection Assembly for Backlash and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint connections for vehicle steering systems face issues with assembly, noise production, and backlash compensation due to relative movements between rotating elements caused by vertical and horizontal oscillations, particularly in work vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A joint connection system comprising a first and second coupling element with an intermediate assembly having movable arms and bushings, allowing two rotational degrees of freedom and compensating for non-parallelism between axes, with damping and hinge connections to reduce noise and improve assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a joint connection is used to allow relative movements between rotating elements, then adaptability to oscillations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection is divided into separate components: a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate assembly with movable arms. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while maintaining overall adaptability to oscillations without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate assembly incorporates movable arms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to accommodate relative movements between the first and second rotating elements. This dynamic capability enables the joint connection to adapt to vertical and horizontal oscillations while transmitting torque effectively.
2Manufacturing precision
If a joint connection with movable components is used, then backlash compensation is improved, but noise production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate assembly acts as an intermediary between the first and second coupling elements, providing a controlled mechanism for backlash compensation. The movable arms within the intermediate assembly absorb and compensate for backlash while being designed to minimize noise generation through proper damping and contact surface design.
3Reliability
If a joint connection with multiple coupling elements is used, then reliability of torque transmission is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection is segmented into modular components (first coupling element, second coupling element, intermediate assembly) that can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together. This modularity improves reliability by allowing quality control at each stage while facilitating easier assembly through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate assembly with its movable arms is pre-configured during manufacturing to ensure proper alignment and clearance. This preliminary action ensures that when the components are assembled, the torque transmission path is already optimized for reliability, reducing the need for complex field adjustments.
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 joint connection enhances assembly efficiency, reduces noise, and effectively compensates for backlash, ensuring reliable and precise torque transmission despite relative movements, improving mechanical performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate assembly (33) interposed between the first coupling element (31) and the second coupling element (32), comprising a first arm (51) and a second arm (52) hinged together on an intermediate hinge axis (E)... bushings to reduce noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Joint connection for a vehicle (1), comprising a first coupling element (31) configured to be coupled to a first rotating element (11), a second coupling element (32) configured to be coupled to a second rotating element (12), and an intermediate assembly (33) operatively interposed between the first and second coupling elements (31, 32), wherein the intermediate assembly (33) comprises a first arm (51) and a second arm (52) hinged together on an intermediate hinge axis (E), the first arm (51) being movably coupled to the first coupling element (31) via a first movable connection (61) with two rotational degrees of freedom, the second arm (52) being movably coupled to the second coupling element (32) via a second movable connection (62) with two rotational degrees of freedom, wherein each of the first arm (51) and the second arm (52) is realised in two pieces (51a, 51b, 52a, 52b) which are connectable to each other along the intermediate hinge axis (E).