Flexible Wheel Seal Structure for Uneven Terrain and Easy Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel seals for heavy-duty vehicles are difficult to install, prone to damage, inflexible, and may fail when driven on uneven terrain, leading to premature failure and lubricant leakage.
Innovation Solution
A wheel seal design featuring a top plate and a bottom plate with vertical movement, where the top plate is comprised of a metal core lined with elastomer and the bottom plate is also made of a metal core, allowing for easy installation and flexibility to accommodate uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current wheel seal designs are used, then sealing function is provided, but installation is difficult and they are easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel seal incorporates a flexible membrane that can dynamically adapt its shape and position. The membrane is designed to flex and deform elastically during installation and operation, allowing it to accommodate misalignment and uneven surfaces without damage, while maintaining its sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel seal uses a flexible membrane as its core sealing element. This thin film structure replaces rigid sealing components, enabling the seal to bend and conform to the hub surface during installation, thereby preventing damage from improper installation while maintaining effective sealing.
2Strength
If rigid wheel seal structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility on uneven terrain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel seal employs a flexible membrane that can bend and deform to accommodate uneven terrain and hub surfaces. This flexible film structure maintains sealing effectiveness while adapting to various road conditions and installation surfaces, eliminating the rigidity problem of traditional seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel seal combines different material properties in its membrane structure, integrating materials with appropriate elasticity and strength characteristics. This composite construction allows the seal to be both strong enough to maintain structural integrity and flexible enough to adapt to uneven terrain.
3Ease of operation
If top plate is installed with hammer, then installation force is applied, but wear and failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane design allows the wheel seal to be installed by simply pressing it onto the hub surface without requiring hammering or impact forces. The membrane's elasticity enables it to conform to the hub during installation, eliminating the need for forceful installation that causes wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as a cushioning element that absorbs installation forces. Rather than requiring high impact forces for installation, the membrane's inherent flexibility provides a cushioning effect that allows gentle pressing installation, preventing damage during the installation process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new wheel seal design is easier to install, more robust, and flexible, reducing the risk of premature failure and lubricant leakage, while maintaining effective sealing against dirt and debris.
Implementation Method 1
the top plate is comprised of a metal core lined with elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel seal is described. The wheel seal may include an annular wheel seal body comprising a top plate and a bottom plate, an annular spring located within the body, and a connecting elastomer.