Over-the-Axle Grease Tool for Even Wheel Bearing Repacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grease tools require disassembly of the wheel bearing assembly for greasing, are not easy to use, and often result in metal-to-metal contact, which can damage the bearing, and do not effectively distribute grease evenly.

Innovation Solution

A single-sided grease tool with self-centering and self-pressurizing O-rings that allows grease to be supplied to the inner race of a wheel bearing without removing the axle, featuring radial delivery ports for uniform distribution and a central axle passage for over-the-axle insertion, minimizing the need for disassembly and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bearing is removed from the axle before greasing, then the bearing can be effectively greased, but the time required for the greasing process increases and the complexity of the operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreasing effectivenessVSAvoidgreasing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grease tool is designed to be inserted over the axle and into the bearing while the bearing remains mounted on the axle. The tool nests within the bearing inner race, allowing grease delivery without removing the bearing from the axle assembly, thereby eliminating disassembly and reassembly time while maintaining effective grease distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The grease tool acts as an intermediary device that bridges the grease source and the bearing internal components. It delivers grease through the bearing while the bearing remains installed, mediating between the need for effective grease delivery and the desire to avoid time-consuming disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional grease tools are used, then grease can be supplied to the bearing, but metal-to-metal contact occurs which can damage the bearing surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease deliveryVSAvoidbearing surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grease tool incorporates an O-ring seal that contacts the bearing inner race. This flexible rubber seal replaces rigid metal-to-metal contact, preventing scratching and damage to the precision bearing surface while still enabling effective grease delivery through the bearing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The grease tool is designed as a disposable or single-use device that is discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive, precision-machined reusable tools that require careful handling to avoid bearing damage, while still achieving reliable grease delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If prior art grease tools with single supply port are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the grease distribution is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool structureVSAvoidgrease distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The grease tool employs multiple radial delivery ports (typically 2 to 20) distributed around its circumference instead of a single supply port. This segmentation of the grease delivery system ensures uniform grease distribution throughout the bearing while maintaining relatively simple tool construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the grease tool have different functions: the outer surface has multiple delivery ports for grease distribution, while the inner surface contacts the bearing. This local differentiation of quality and function achieves even grease distribution without requiring complex overall tool structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If threaded devices and fasteners are used to secure the grease tool, then the tool can be firmly attached, but the bearing surface may be scratched and the bearing rendered unusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool attachmentVSAvoidbearing surface scratching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grease tool uses an O-ring seal instead of threaded fasteners or rigid clamping mechanisms to secure itself to the bearing. This flexible rubber seal provides firm attachment for grease delivery while being soft enough to prevent scratching or damaging the precision bearing surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10976005B2Over an axle grease tool for repacking wheel bearing with grease, and method of using same

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 PETIT DENIS

AI summary

A grease tool and method for greasing a wheel bearing where the grease tool includes a handle and manifold. The handle and manifold define a central passage that extends through the grease tool. A supply channel is formed radially between the central passage and an exterior surface of the grease tool and extends axially through the handle to an annular supply recess formed in the manifold. A grease fitting attached to the grease tool to facilitate a supply of grease through the supply channel and the supply recess to an inwardly facing surface of the wheel bearing. The central passage in the grease tool facilitating sliding the grease tool over an axle that extends through the wheel bearing and positioning of the grease tool within the wheel bearing evenly repacking of the bearing in a position over the axle.