Axle Spindle and Wheel End Assembly for Dual- and Single-Wheel Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle spindles and wheel end assemblies for heavy-duty vehicles are either too lightweight and economical for dual-wheel, standard-tire configurations but inadequate for single-wheel, wide-tire configurations, or too robust and expensive for both configurations, requiring modifications to accommodate different wheel configurations and compromising on weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A heavy-duty axle spindle and wheel end assembly design that includes a straight, shorter axle spindle with inboard and outboard bearings of the same diameter, allowing for a dual-wheel, standard-tire configuration and a single-wheel, 51mm offset wide-tire configuration without needing substantial modifications to the vehicle's frame or suspension, using standard stock bearings for cost-effectiveness and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a less robust axle spindle and wheel end assembly construction is used for dual-wheel, standard-tire configurations, then weight and cost are reduced, but the assembly becomes inadequate for single-wheel, wide-tire configurations with non-zero offset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the axle spindle, specifically making it straight rather than tapered, and positioning the outboard bearing closer to the inboard bearing. This parameter change allows the spindle to accommodate both dual-wheel standard-tire configurations and single-wheel wide-tire configurations with 51mm offset, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and adaptability to different wheel configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a more robust axle spindle and wheel end assembly construction is used to accommodate single-wheel, wide-tire configurations, then adaptability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including making the axle spindle straight (not tapered), reducing the distance between inboard and outboard bearings, and using bearings of equal size. These parameter changes enable the assembly to achieve the necessary robustness for single-wheel wide-tire configurations while minimizing weight and cost, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and weight
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outboard bearing is positioned further from the inboard bearing, then accommodation of single-wheel, wide-tire configurations is improved, but bearing life is reduced due to increased fatigue loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the axial distance parameter between the inboard and outboard bearings, positioning the outboard bearing closer to the inboard bearing than in conventional designs. This parameter optimization reduces the moment arm and fatigue loading on the outboard bearing, extending bearing life while still accommodating single-wheel wide-tire configurations with 51mm offset through the straight spindle design
Data Source
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AI summary
An axle for a heavy-duty vehicle extends transversely across the vehicle and includes a central portion. Each one of a pair of relatively short and lightweight axle spindles is connected to and extends outboardly from a respective end of the axle central portion. A wheel end assembly is rotatably mounted on each axle spindle. Each wheel end assembly includes spaced-apart inboard and outboard bearings that are immovably mounted on its respective axle spindle, and preferably are standard heavy-duty vehicle stock-type bearings. A relatively short and lightweight wheel hub is rotatably mounted on the bearings so that the wheel end assembly selectively accommodates a dual-wheel, standard-tire configuration and a single-wheel, wide-tire configuration, including a two-inch offset wheel.