Axle Assembly Hub for Central Tire Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current onboard central tire inflation systems (CTI) are bulky, complex, and heavy, leading to increased costs and size, necessitating a more compact solution.
Innovation Solution
The axle assembly design includes an annular member, hub, inner and outer hub bearings, first and second shaft seals, and an air inlet port, with a fluid conduit system that allows for efficient distribution of pressurized air from a central tire inflation system to the tires, minimizing the need for additional components and reducing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current CTI systems are used to provide pressurized air to tires, then tire inflation function is achieved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air inlet port, fluid conduits, and sealing mechanisms directly into the hub assembly structure, merging multiple CTI system components into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, external conduits, and additional sealing components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining tire inflation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wheel, enables rotation via bearings, seals the interface between rotating and stationary components, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for CTI system components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated CTI system hardware, reducing weight.
2Reliability
If current CTI systems are used to provide pressurized air to tires, then tire inflation function is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air inlet port, fluid conduits, and sealing mechanisms into the hub assembly structure, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be designed, manufactured, and assembled. This integration simplifies the overall CTI system architecture while maintaining full tire inflation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly is segmented into functional zones: the air inlet port receives pressurized air, the first fluid conduit directs it radially outward, the second fluid conduit directs it axially outward, and the seals contain the air flow. This clear segmentation of fluid flow paths simplifies the design and installation process.
3Reliability
If current CTI systems are used to provide pressurized air to tires, then tire inflation function is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates CTI system components into the hub assembly, which is a necessary component regardless. This means the CTI system utilizes existing structural elements rather than requiring additional dedicated parts, thereby reducing material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assembly serves as both the wheel support structure and the CTI system mounting structure. This universality means that the same component performs multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate CTI system hardware and reducing overall system cost.
4Volume of stationary object
If seals are placed close to bearings to minimize space, then system size is reduced, but seal effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions seals in both radial and axial dimensions relative to the hub assembly, creating a two-dimensional sealing barrier. The first seal is radially between the hub and annular member, while the second seal is axially spaced from the first seal. This multi-dimensional sealing approach maximizes sealing effectiveness within minimal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment ring serves as an intermediary structure that provides mounting surfaces for both the seals and the bearings. It positions the seals at optimal locations relative to the bearings and hub interface, ensuring effective sealing while maintaining proper bearing clearance and rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly, including an axle shaft, annular member, hub, inner and outer hub bearings, abutment ring, first and second seals, and an air inlet port. The annular member is disposed about the axle shaft. The hub is coupled for rotation with the axle shaft and defines an outlet port. The first and second shaft seals form seals between the hub and the annular member. The air inlet port is mounted to one of the annular member and the abutment ring and includes an inlet boss. A first fluid conduit is defined by the abutment ring or both the abutment ring and the inlet port. The first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the air inlet boss. The second shaft seal is spaced apart from the first shaft seal along the rotational axis to at least partially define a second fluid conduit in fluid communication inlet and outlet ports.