Driveshaft U-Joint Cover Attached to Yoke for Easier Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joint covers for vehicle driveshafts are prone to damage from centrifugal grease/oil and debris, leading to functionality loss and difficulty in installation, repair, and maintenance due to direct contact with the universal joint and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A cover for universal joints comprising multiple semi-rigid polymeric sections with fasteners that attach to the driveshaft or yoke without contacting the universal joint, allowing for easy installation, repair, and maintenance, and preventing debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible cover is disposed around the universal joint to prevent grease/oil from being flung off, then grease/oil containment is improved, but the cover is damaged by the spinning universal joint and grease/oil flung from the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful interaction between the cover and universal joint by repositioning the attachment point. The cover is moved away from direct contact with the spinning universal joint, eliminating the source of damage while maintaining grease containment through the attachment to the driveshaft body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment structure (clamps, brackets, or other fastening mechanisms) that connects the cover to the driveshaft or yoke body rather than allowing direct contact with the universal joint. This intermediary structure mediates between the cover and the spinning joint, preventing damage transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is designed as an uninterrupted cylinder to provide complete coverage, then grease/oil containment is improved, but installation, repair, and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cover into multiple sections that can be independently positioned and attached to different portions of the driveshaft. This segmentation allows the cover to be installed in sections rather than as a single continuous piece, facilitating easier installation, removal, and replacement while maintaining complete coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If the cover attaches directly to the universal joint to provide coverage, then coverage is improved, but access to the universal joint and grease fitting is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cover attachment from the universal joint area and relocates it to the driveshaft or yoke body. This extraction creates clear access pathways to the universal joint and grease fitting, allowing servicing operations while the cover remains attached and provides coverage elsewhere.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible material such as rubber or fabric is used for the cover, then flexibility and coverage are improved, but the material is weakened or fatigued by grease/oil and road debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexible cover material from direct exposure to the universal joint area where grease/oil is flung at high velocity. By repositioning the cover attachment away from the spinning joint, the flexible material is protected from the most intense degradation mechanisms while maintaining its flexibility and coverage functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a universal joint of a driveshaft comprises a first section, a second section, at least two cover fasteners, and at least one driveshaft fastener. At least a first cover fastener of the at least two cover fasteners is configured to connect a first section first edge to a second section first edge. At least a second cover fastener of the at least two cover fasteners is configured to connect a first section second edge to a second section second edge. The at least one driveshaft fastener is configured to connect the cover to the driveshaft or a yoke thereof without any portion of the cover contacting the universal joint.