Annular Flange Sealing Structure for Hub Bolt Space Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for rolling bearings face challenges in effectively preventing water and foreign matter ingress, especially in environments with space constraints, such as automotive hubs, where the size and placement of foreign-matter-ingress reducing portions are limited by hub bolts.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with an elastic annular flange that encircles the outer member's end portion, providing a large foreign-matter-ingress reducing area, and a through-hole for screw insertion, allowing the flange to deform elastically during screw passage and return to its shape to prevent foreign matter ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large foreign-matter-ingress reducing portion is added to the sealing device, then the sealing performance against water and foreign matter is improved, but the space constraints in the hub structure (particularly due to hub bolts) prevent adequate sizing and placement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is nested within the hub structure by positioning the annular flange inside the through-hole of the hub bolt. The flange is received within the through-hole and extends radially outward to a position radially inside an outer edge of the hub, allowing the sealing structure to be contained within the existing hub-bolt assembly space without requiring additional external space
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device utilizes the vertical/dimensional space within the through-hole by extending the annular flange radially outward to a position that is radially inside the outer edge of the hub but still within the through-hole boundaries. This dimensional arrangement allows the flange to provide extensive sealing coverage without increasing the overall footprint or interfering with hub bolt placement
2Reliability
If the flange is made large to maximize foreign matter protection, then the sealing area is increased, but the screw insertion path may be blocked by the flange structure
Solution Approach 1:
The annular flange is nested within the through-hole of the hub bolt, with the through-hole positioned radially outside the flange. This nesting arrangement allows the screw to pass through the through-hole without being blocked by the flange, while the flange still provides maximum sealing coverage by extending to the radially inside position
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the annular flange provides sealing coverage in the radial direction, while the through-hole provides a clear vertical path for screw insertion. This segmentation separates the sealing function from the fastening function, allowing both to operate effectively without interference
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 sealing device effectively restricts foreign matter ingress over a large area while accommodating space limitations, ensuring smooth screw insertion and secure attachment without mechanical deformation assistance.
Implementation Method 1
Since the flange of the sealing device is formed from an elastic material, when inserting the screw into the through-hole, the flange can be elastically deformed to facilitate passage of the screw over the flange. After the screw has been in place, the flange is returned to the initial shape thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device for sealing a gap between inner and outer members includes a mounted part attached to a cylindrical end of the outer member; at least one lip disposed radial inside the mounted part and extending toward the inner member; an annular part covering an end surface of the end of the outer member; and an annular flange formed from an elastic material connected to the annular part and disposed radial outside the end of the outer member. The inner member includes an inner portion disposed radial inside the outer member; a flange extending radially outward from the inner portion; and a through-hole formed in the flange for inserting a screw for securing the inner member to another member. The outer edge of the flange of the sealing device is disposed radial outside a portion of the through-hole that is the closest to the central axis.