Design and development of a gauging system for constant velocity ball cage component of constant velocity joint assembly

Abstract

Gauges used for dimension inspection of critical components in various assemblies need to be precise and accurate. At the same time, the rate of inspection should be as high as possible for increased production. This is more so with regard to steering assemblies of automobiles. In automotive lines, the dimension inspection of the steering assemblies (constant velocity assembly) by Coordinate Measuring Machine would not be feasible as the process is slow and productivity would be affected. The proposed constant velocity gauging system can be considered as an alternative. The constant velocity assembly has six opening windows whose height is extremely critical. The accuracy of the component and the criticality demand complete inspection of the window height and identification of oversized window parts. The proposed cost-effective gauging system has a separate replaceable probe for each window to check the window height. All six windows are checked simultaneously to save production time. The qualified components and rejected components have been checked by first principles and on Coordinate Measuring Machine. Both have been found to be in good agreement.