Vehicle Joint Connection With Hinged Arms for Low-Noise Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint connections for vehicle steering systems face challenges with assembly, noise production, and backlash compensation, particularly in work vehicles where relative movements between rotating elements cause issues with torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A joint connection with a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate assembly providing two rotational degrees of freedom, featuring a hinge connection and bushings with radial and axial clearances to accommodate relative movements and ensure smooth torque transmission, thereby improving assembly, noise reduction, and backlash compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a known joint connection is used to allow transmission of rotation between rotating elements with relative movements, then torque transmission is enabled, but assembly becomes difficult and noise is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The joint connection is divided into separate modular components: a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate assembly with hinge connections. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining torque transmission capability across multiple connection points
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate assembly with hinge connections is introduced as a mediator between the first and second coupling elements. This intermediate structure accommodates relative movements and misalignments between rotating elements, enabling torque transmission without requiring precise alignment during assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a known joint connection is used to accommodate relative movements, then torque transmission is enabled, but backlash compensation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections in the intermediate assembly are designed with controlled clearances that allow dynamic adjustment during operation. The clearance between hinge pins and their mounting surfaces enables automatic compensation for backlash and relative movements, maintaining precise torque transmission without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connection incorporates controlled clearance parameters in the hinge connections and coupling elements. By optimizing the size and distribution of these clearances, the design compensates for backlash and relative movements while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision and assembly feasibility
3Power
If a known joint connection is used for torque transmission, then rotation is transmitted, but noise is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate assembly with hinge connections acts as a noise-dampening intermediary between the coupling elements. The hinge mechanism absorbs and dampens vibrations and impacts during torque transmission, reducing noise generation while maintaining effective power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections are designed with built-in clearance and damping characteristics that cushion against impacts and vibrations before they propagate through the system. This prior cushioning effect reduces noise generation during torque transmission, especially under varying load conditions
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 precision, reduces noise, and effectively compensates for relative movements between rotating elements, ensuring reliable and precise torque transmission, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
bushings with radial and axial clearances to accommodate relative movements
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 the intermediate assembly (33) comprises an intermediate pin (81) configured to define the intermediate hinge axis (E) and bushings (121a, 121b) operatively interposed between the first arm (51) and the second arm (52).