Adjustable Hub Bearing for Wheel Reaction Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel reaction force detecting apparatuses experience decreased accuracy due to increased play of balls in the bearing and reduced stiffness over time, affecting the precision of wheel reaction force detection.
Innovation Solution
A wheel reaction force detecting apparatus with a hub bearing system that includes an adjustable outer race, a bearing pushing member, and a sensing unit with strain gages, allowing for the restoration of bearing stiffness by moving the outer race relative to the inner race, thus maintaining detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nut is loosened to adjust the bearing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the play of the balls increases and the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment nut and the hub bearing's outer race. This thrust bearing allows the outer race to be moved axially for adjustment while preventing excessive play in the radial direction, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling ease of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: axial movement of the outer race (controlled by the adjustment nut and thrust bearing) for ease of operation, and radial positioning (maintained by the hub bearing structure) for measurement precision. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the bearing stiffness decreases due to age, then the duration of action is extended, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is made dynamically adjustable through the provision of an adjustment nut and thrust bearing that enable periodic repositioning of the outer race. This allows the bearing to be adjusted to compensate for stiffness degradation over time, maintaining measurement precision throughout the extended service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism allows for preliminary action in the form of periodic recalibration of the bearing position. By enabling the outer race to be moved axially and repositioned, the system can compensate for aging effects before they significantly impact measurement precision, thus extending the effective service life.
3Ease of operation
If the play of balls increases, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing serves as an intermediary that decouples the adjustment function from the load-bearing function. It allows controlled axial movement for adjustability while maintaining stable radial positioning for reliable and consistent detection accuracy.
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 apparatus effectively prevents degradation in wheel reaction force detection accuracy even when bearing stiffness decreases, ensuring consistent and precise force measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit 40 including a cylinder 51a and a plurality of strain gages 53 disposed on an outer surface of the cylinder 51a in the sensing unit 51
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel reaction force detecting apparatus includes a mount fixed to a suspension device, a hub to which a wheel is fixed, a sensing unit including a cylinder disposed inside the hub and substantially coaxial with an axle of the wheel, and a component force detector to detect a component force on the wheel. The hub is rotatably supported around the axle with respect to the mount. The cylinder has a first end fixed to the mount and a second end connected to the hub with a hub bearing disposed therebetween. The component force detector is disposed on the cylinder in the sensing unit. The hub bearing includes an inner race fit on a sensitive unit and an outer race fit on the hub. A position of the outer race is adjustable in an axial direction of the axle with respect to the inner race.