Universal Joint Yoke with Concave Fixation for Steering Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal joints in steering devices experience deviations due to external forces or vibrations, leading to noise and incomplete torque transmission between the yoke and rotating shafts.
Innovation Solution
A yoke design with a base portion and opposed side walls that form a concave portion on their inner surfaces, allowing the rotating shaft's square outer perimeter to be bitten by the concave's edge, providing additional fixation points and preventing deviation during rotation or axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the rotating shaft is fixed only by the base portion and opposed side walls, then the structure is simple, but deviation occurs between the yoke and rotating shaft due to external forces or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is segmented into multiple independent fixation points: the base portion provides one fixation point, while the concave portions on both opposed side walls provide additional fixation points. This segmentation allows each part to contribute to preventing deviation in different directions, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portions are locally formed on the inner surfaces of the opposed side walls at specific positions. These localized features create additional fixation points precisely where needed to prevent deviation, rather than requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure. This approach improves reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the outer periphery of the rotating shaft is abutted on the base portion only, then assembly is easy, but noise occurs and torque transmission becomes incomplete due to deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transmission path is segmented into multiple contact points: the base portion provides one contact point, while the concave portions on the opposed side walls provide additional contact points. This segmentation ensures that torque is transmitted through multiple stable connections, preventing deviation that would cause noise and incomplete torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portions are self-forming features that automatically engage with the square outer perimeter of the rotating shaft during assembly. The elastic deformation of the opposed side walls during fastening automatically creates the fixation effect, eliminating the need for additional adjustment steps or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If no concave portion is formed, then manufacturing is simple, but the rotating shaft cannot be reliably fixed against deviation in axial or rotational directions
Solution Approach 1:
The concave portions are locally formed on the inner surfaces of the opposed side walls at specific positions where additional fixation is needed. These localized features can be created using simple processing methods such as pressing or machining at specific locations, rather than requiring complex overall design changes. This approach improves fixation reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave portions add a dimensional feature to the otherwise flat inner surfaces of the opposed side walls. By creating localized depressions or cavities, the structure gains additional fixation capability without significantly increasing overall complexity. This dimensional addition allows the rotating shaft to be reliably fixed in multiple directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke for universal joint includes a base portion and a pair of opposed side walls and is connected to one end of a rotating shaft having two planes parallel to each other. One end of the rotating shaft is inserted between the opposed side walls such that both planes oppose the respective opposed side walls and the lower surface is abutted on the base portion. Then, a fastening portion of the opposed side walls in the upper portions thereof is fastened by a bolt such that the rotating shaft is interposed and fixed. On the inner surfaces of the opposed side walls, the concave portion is formed under the fastening portion. The concave portion is pushed against the outer peripheral square portion of the rotating shaft in both sides of the fastening portion in the axial direction of the rotating shaft.