Axle Clamp Preload Control for Landing Gear Wheel Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional landing gear wheel bearings experience unreliable preload control due to unknown and fluctuating loads from the landing gear fork, leading to varying preload amounts and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
A preloading axle clamp system that includes an axle with a bushing and nut mechanism, allowing for precise control of preload on the wheel bearing by retaining the landing gear fork and applying a consistent preloading force independently of fork flexure variations, using a fastener and nut system to apply and control the preload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wheel bearing assemblies are used with landing gear fork flexure loads, then the wheel bearing can accommodate the landing gear structure, but the preload control becomes unreliable and operational life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the preload control function from the landing gear fork structure by introducing an independent adjustable clamp assembly. The clamp assembly with adjustable positioning members can be independently adjusted to compensate for fork flexure, thereby maintaining reliable preload control despite structural variations and extending bearing operational life.
2Manufacturing precision
If the landing gear fork flexure is not compensated, then the structure remains simple, but the preload amount varies widely and bearing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable positioning members that can be dynamically repositioned along the axle to compensate for landing gear fork flexure. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain consistent preload amounts despite changes in fork geometry or wear, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive complexity.
3Strength
If the preload is increased to eliminate clearances and reduce vibration, then bearing stiffness improves, but the additional force from fork flexure accelerates bearing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable clamp assembly allows for preliminary setting of the optimal preload amount before operation. By pre-adjusting the positioning members to account for expected fork flexure, the system can apply the precise preload needed for high stiffness while compensating for future flexure loads, thereby preventing accelerated bearing degradation.
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 system provides reliable and consistent preload control, extending the operational life of the wheel bearing and improving performance by isolating the landing gear fork's flexure from preload variations, resulting in enhanced bearing stiffness and reduced noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
A nut is threadedly coupled to the bushing, wherein rotation of the nut on the bushing causes a preloading force on the wheel bearing
Implementation Method 2
The fastener coupled to the first end of the axle positioned within the first bore is rotated to a first predefined torque to retain the connecting fork on the axle
Implementation Method 3
A bushing is positioned about a first end of the axle... rotation of the nut on the bushing causes a preloading force on the wheel bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A preloading axle clamp for a wheel bearing includes an axle adapted to receive a wheel bearing and a connecting fork. A bushing is positioned about a first end of the axle. A fastener having a first flange is coupled to the first end of the axle, wherein a portion of the fastener is inserted into the first end to retain the connecting fork on the axle. A nut is threadedly coupled to the bushing, wherein rotation of the nut on the bushing causes a preloading force on the wheel bearing.