Axle Assembly with Integrated Differential Fluid Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tire inflation systems are complex and expensive to manufacture, necessitating a simpler and more cost-effective axle assembly for fluid communication in tire pressure management.

Innovation Solution

The axle assembly includes a first and second axle shaft with conduits in fluid communication through a chamber within a differential, allowing pressurized fluid to be transferred between wheel assemblies for terrain and temperature adjustments, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing tire inflation systems are used, then tire pressure management functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the differential housing and the fluid communication chamber into a single integrated component. The chamber is formed within the differential housing itself, eliminating the need for separate external chambers and complex piping systems. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall system complexity while maintaining the tire pressure management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If existing tire inflation systems are used, then tire pressure adjustment capability is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidterrain adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The differential housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural housing for the differential mechanism, contains the fluid communication chamber for tire pressure management, and provides mounting points for axle shafts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to adjust tire pressure for different terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If separate conduits are used for fluid communication, then tire pressure control is achieved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit configurationVSAvoidfluid communication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fluid communication chamber directly within the differential housing, creating internal fluid pathways that eliminate the need for external conduits and connections. This integration reduces the number of potential leak points and connection failures, improving reliability while simplifying the overall conduit configuration and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11433704B2Axle assembly and the tire inflation system made therewith

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP LLC

AI summary

An axle assembly includes a first axle shaft. The first axle shaft includes a first conduit. A second axle shaft includes a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit are in fluid communication through a chamber. A differential is operatively connected to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. The chamber is at least partially disposed within the differential.