Wheel Drive Shaft Layout With Compact Outer Universal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel drive shaft arrangements in vehicles face challenges in achieving a compact configuration, reliable operation, and increased service life, particularly in heavy-duty applications, due to limitations in power transfer efficiency and adaptability to variable angles and axial displacements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double centered universal joint connected to the wheel hub and a constant-velocity joint connected to the driving member, which allows for a more compact design, improved torque capacity, and reduced stress on bearings, along with the use of plunging joints and needle roller bearings to accommodate axial displacements and reduce radial shaft displacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a standard Rzeppa constant-velocity joint is used at the outer end, then power transfer is reliable, but the configuration becomes less compact and occupies more space at the wheel end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the type of joint used at the outer end from a standard Rzeppa constant-velocity joint to a double-centered universal joint. This parameter change allows achieving similar power transfer functionality with a more compact design that occupies less space at the wheel end, thereby resolving the contradiction between compactness and reliability
2Volume of moving object
If a double centered universal joint is used at the outer end, then the configuration becomes more compact, but torque capacity and service life may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a double-centered universal joint with a needle roller bearing support arrangement. The needle roller bearings provide additional support to handle high torque loads and improve service life, while the double-centered universal joint maintains the compact outer end configuration. This combination resolves the contradiction between compactness and torque capacity
3Reliability
If additional support members and bearings are added to the drive shaft, then service life and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs needle roller bearings that are integrated into the joint structure itself, allowing the joint to support its own loads without requiring additional external support members. The needle roller bearings are positioned to directly support the drive shaft within the joint housing, enabling the system to serve itself and reduce overall complexity while maintaining reliability
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 configuration results in a more compact, reliable, and cost-effective wheel drive shaft arrangement with increased service life, reduced component complexity, and improved fuel efficiency by minimizing the need for additional support members and bearings.
Implementation Method 1
The double centered universal joint comprises needle roller bearings for pivoting the third, fourth and intermediate joint members with respect to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wheel drive shaft arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising: - a wheel drive shaft (10) having a first (11) and a second (12) axial end, - a constant-velocity joint (2) provided at the first end, the constant-velocity joint comprising a first articulated joint member (21) and a second articulated joint member (22) which are drivingly and pivotally connected, characterized in that the first articulated joint member is drivingly connected to the first end and the second articulated joint member is drivingly connectable to a driving member (3)of the vehicle, and wherein the wheel drive shaft arrangement further comprises: - a double centered universal joint (4) provided at the second end, the double centered universal joint comprising a third articulated joint member (41) drivingly connected to the second end, a fourth articulated joint member (42) drivingly connectable to a wheel hub (5) of the vehicle and an intermediate articulated joint member (43) drivingly and pivotally connecting the third and fourth articulated joint members. The disclosure also relates to a wheel driving arrangement (60) and to a vehicle (100).