Bearing Preload Apparatus with Aligning Ring for Axle Lock Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preloading antifriction bearings in drive trains, such as truck axle bearings, face challenges in achieving accurate and repeatable preload settings due to cumbersome assembly procedures and resistive drag torque from inner seals, making it difficult to apply the desired compressive deflection, typically around 0.003 inches, under in-field conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method that includes an attaching member with a press mechanism and an aligning ring to provide a compressive load on the bearing, allowing for precise alignment and preload adjustment, even in confined spaces, using a wrench with teeth that engage the lock nut to facilitate rotation and alignment markings for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional torque application methods are used to preload bearings, then the assembly process is simple, but the preload accuracy and repeatability deteriorate due to resistive drag torque from inner seals and cumbersome assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the lock nut with the shaft slot using an aligning mechanism before applying preload torque. The aligning ring with alignment marks ensures the lock nut is positioned correctly in advance, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during torque application and improving preload accuracy despite increased initial setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aligning ring as an intermediary component between the lock nut and the shaft slot. This aligning ring with visible alignment marks serves as a mediator to guide the positioning of the lock nut, enabling accurate alignment without requiring direct manipulation of the lock nut itself, thus improving precision while managing complexity.
2Strength
If the lock nut is surrounded by the hub assembly making it inaccessible, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates as direct access to the nut is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by transitioning from direct radial access to the lock nut to indirect axial access through the aligning ring. The aligning ring extends axially from the lock nut with alignment marks visible on its outer surface, allowing operators to align and position the lock nut by accessing it from the axial direction rather than requiring direct radial access, thus maintaining structural integrity while improving operability.
3Measurement precision
If the aligning ring is made larger to improve visibility of alignment marks, then the measurement precision improves, but the volume of the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the visual enhancement features (alignment marks, coloring) only on the specific regions of the aligning ring that require visibility, rather than increasing the entire ring's volume. The alignment marks are localized to the circumferential surface where they are needed for alignment, maintaining compact overall dimensions while improving measurement precision locally.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft which includes an attaching member releasably connectable to a shaft and a press mechanism coupled to the attaching member. The press mechanism is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. An aligning ring has an aligning projection configured to engage a shaft slot of the shaft to align the press mechanism relative to the shaft when the attaching member connects to the shaft. The projection extends radially inwardly from a circumferential portion of the aligning ring. The aligning ring extends circumferentially around the attaching member and is rotatable relative to the attaching member. The aligning ring includes a plurality of ring indicating markings to allow an alignment of a ring indicating marking of the plurality of ring indicating markings with a lock nut connected to the shaft.