Axle Assembly Lubricant Circulation via Annular Disc Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle assemblies face challenges in efficiently circulating lubricating fluid to wheel ends, particularly in low-turning scenarios, leading to increased temperature and viscosity reduction, which results in increased friction and wear, and existing solutions are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
An axle assembly design featuring an annular disc and change members that cyclically push lubricant through a shaft passage, utilizing the rotation of the axle shaft to translate the annular disc between change members, effectively distributing lubricant from the differential assembly to cooler areas of the axle tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If pumps and separate heat exchangers are used to cool lubricating fluid, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing lubrication system by using the axle shaft itself as the cooling element. The hollow axle shaft design integrates fluid circulation and cooling pathways within the existing structural component, eliminating the need for separate pumps and heat exchangers while maintaining effective lubricating fluid temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle shaft design enables self-cooling through its hollow structure that allows lubricating fluid to circulate through internal passages. The rotation of the axle shaft naturally drives fluid circulation without requiring external pumps, and the fluid flow through the shaft walls provides passive heat dissipation to the surrounding environment.
2Productivity
If helical protrusions are added to axle shafts to move lubricating fluid, then fluid circulation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the axle shaft into hollow sections with internal fluid passages, allowing lubricating fluid to flow through the shaft structure itself. This segmentation creates natural fluid circulation pathways without requiring complex surface features like helical protrusions, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving effective fluid movement and cooling.
3Reliability
If lubrication relies on turning activity to move oil from sump to wheel ends, then lubrication is provided during turning, but lubrication effectiveness decreases in straight-line driving
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow axle shaft design enables continuous lubricating fluid circulation through internal passages regardless of vehicle turning activity. The fluid flow is maintained continuously through the shaft structure, ensuring consistent lubrication delivery to wheel ends under all driving conditions including straight-line driving, thereby eliminating the intermittency issue of turning-dependent lubrication systems.
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
This design enhances lubricant circulation and cooling, reducing friction and wear by maintaining lubricant viscosity and ensuring adequate lubrication to wheel ends without the need for complex or expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the axle shaft causes the annular disc to translate on the unthreaded body portion between the change members and a direction in which the annular disc translates is changed through contact between the annular disc and the change members
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly with an axle shaft, an annular disc and a pair of change members. The axle shaft includes an unthreaded body portion having a first diameter. The annular disc is mounted on the body portion and has a central aperture through which the unthreaded body portion is received. The central aperture has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. Rotation of the axle shaft causes the annular disc to translate on the unthreaded body portion between the change members and wherein a direction in which the annular disc translates is changed through contact between the annular disc and the change members.