Axial Seal Assembly With Transport Coupling for Wheel Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel bearing assemblies are prone to contamination from brake dust, dirt, and oil, which can damage the bearings and compromise the retention of lubricants, as existing seal assemblies are not effectively designed to maintain a consistent sealing pressure and coupling during assembly and use.
Innovation Solution
An axial seal assembly comprising an inner annular shield and an outer annular seal with axial and radial portions, where the seal radial portion is spaced from the shield radial portion by a predetermined distance, and includes coupler sections that engage when the spacing distance is less than the predetermined distance to retain the shield with the seal, ensuring proper coupling and sealing during assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal radial portion is spaced from the shield radial portion by a predetermined distance during use, then sealing pressure is maintained, but the shield and seal may become disconnected during assembly or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling section provides a dynamic connection that transitions from engaged (during assembly/transport) to disengaged (during operation). The coupling section includes a coupling surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the shield, maintaining connection when axial force is applied, but allowing separation when the predetermined distance is maintained during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling section is designed to automatically engage the shield and seal during assembly before the predetermined spacing is established. This preliminary coupling action ensures the components remain connected during transport and installation, then naturally separates when the seal is properly positioned at the predetermined distance from the shield.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing seal assemblies are used without a coupling mechanism, then assembly is simpler, but sealing pressure consistency cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling section is designed to self-engage during assembly through axial compression. When the seal assembly is installed, the axial force automatically pushes the coupling section against the shield, establishing the predetermined spacing and sealing pressure without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shield and seal are kept connected during transport, then component loss is prevented, but sealing function cannot be activated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a connected state during transport to a disconnected state during operation. The coupling section maintains engagement when axial compressive force is applied (transport condition), but allows the seal radial portion to separate from the shield radial portion by the predetermined distance when the bearing assembly is assembled and loaded (operational condition).
Data Source
AI summary
An axial seal assembly includes an inner annular shield having an axial portion disposable about the shaft at a position adjacent to the bearing and a radial portion extending radially outwardly from the axial portion. An outer annular seal has an axial portion engageable with the outer member bore, a radial portion extending radially inwardly from the axial portion and on or more axial sealing lips engaged with the shield radial portion. The seal radial portion is spaced from the shield radial portion by a predetermined axial distance during use. The seal has at least one coupler section engageable with the shield radial portion or the shield axial portion when an axial spacing distance between the seal radial portion and the shield radial portion is less than the predetermined distance to retain the shield coupled with the seal when the seal assembly is separate from an outer member bore.