Bearing Preload Apparatus with Aligning Ring and Load Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preloading antifriction bearings, such as those in truck axle systems, face challenges in achieving accurate and repeatable preload settings due to difficulties in accessing and rotating lock nuts, especially when surrounded by hub assemblies, leading to unreliable and inaccurate preload applications.
Innovation Solution
A preload apparatus comprising an attaching member and a press mechanism with a wrench that can engage and rotate the lock nut axially, allowing for precise compressive loading and alignment of bearings, even in constrained spaces, while a load sensor monitors the preload to ensure accurate settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to preload bearings, then the process is simple, but the preload accuracy and repeatability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
A press mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the lock nut and the bearing, enabling precise preload application. The press mechanism includes a press member that can be positioned and pressed against the bearing with controlled force, providing accurate preload while maintaining relative simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical preload adjustment methods with a hybrid system incorporating a press mechanism that can apply controlled compressive loads. This substitution enables more precise preload control by separating the loading function from the simple nut tightening process
2Volume of moving object
If the lock nut is surrounded by hub assembly, then the assembly is compact, but the wrench cannot access and rotate the lock nut
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: an attaching member that connects to the shaft, a press mechanism that applies load, and a wrench that rotates the lock nut. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, with the wrench being able to access and rotate the lock nut even when surrounded by the hub assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching member serves as an intermediary that connects the external wrench to the internal lock nut system. It provides a connection point for the wrench while maintaining access to the lock nut, enabling rotation of the lock nut without requiring direct external access that would compromise assembly compactness
3Reliability
If preload is applied without monitoring, then the process is fast, but the preload setting is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
A load sensor is integrated into the press mechanism to provide real-time feedback on the preload force being applied to the bearing. This feedback allows the operator to monitor and verify that the desired preload is achieved, ensuring reliable and repeatable settings while minimizing adjustment time through immediate verification
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.