Axle Assembly Sleeve to Prevent Rotary Union Hose Kinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle assemblies for tire inflation systems lack an effective mechanism to limit the rotation of hoses connected to rotary unions, which can lead to hose kinking or disengagement, compromising system functionality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed axle assembly incorporates a sleeve that extends from a spindle plug to a rotary union, featuring anti-rotation features and a stop feature to prevent rotation of the hose and stator, thereby maintaining alignment and preventing disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no anti-rotation mechanism is provided, then the hose can rotate freely with the rotary union, but the hose may kink or disengage from the rotatable fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the hose and the spindle plug. It transmits the anti-rotation force from the spindle plug to the hose, preventing direct contact while achieving the anti-rotation function. The sleeve with its anti-rotation feature engages the spindle plug to resist rotation, thereby protecting the hose from kinking or disengagement.
2Reliability
If the sleeve is tightly fitted to the hose, then rotation is effectively limited, but the hose may be damaged or the sleeve difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve has different structural zones: an enlarged portion that provides engagement space, an elongated portion that fits through the opening, and a gap region that allows disengagement. The anti-rotation feature is localized on the elongated portion outside the sleeve hole, providing rotation limitation only where needed while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
3Reliability
If the anti-rotation feature extends the full length of the sleeve, then rotation is completely prevented, but the sleeve becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation feature extends only partially along the sleeve length, specifically on the elongated portion outside the sleeve hole. This partial action is sufficient to prevent rotation of the hose and stator while simplifying manufacturing compared to a full-length feature. The feature extends from the enlarged portion toward the second end but does not cover the entire sleeve.
Data Source
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AI summary
An axle assembly having a hose, a spindle plug, a sleeve, and a rotary union adapted to be fluidly connected to a tire. The spindle plug may be disposed in a spindle. The hose may be fluidly connected to the rotary union. The sleeve may encircle the hose and extend from the spindle plug to a stator of the rotary union. The sleeve cooperates with the spindle plug to limit rotation of the stator and the hose.