Hub Lock Nut Assembly With Resilient Collar Prevailing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub lock nut assemblies for wheel hubs in heavy-duty vehicles face challenges in providing robust prevailing torque without damaging threads and require careful assembly, limiting efficiency and reusability.
Innovation Solution
The use of resilient snap collar portions on the hub lock nut or mating components, such as safety washers, to generate prevailing torque through external force application, separating the torque function from the threads and allowing for relaxed thread tolerances and efficient assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the prevailing torque function is provided by the threads on the hub lock nut, then the torque can be generated through thread engagement, but the thread tolerances must be tightly controlled and the assembly process requires careful alignment to avoid thread damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock nut assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the threaded portion for secure engagement and the resilient portion for prevailing torque generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with threads focused on reliable connection and resilient portions focused on torque provision without requiring tight thread tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The prevailing torque function is extracted from the thread structure and assigned to a separate resilient portion. This extraction eliminates the dependency between thread quality and torque generation, allowing relaxed thread tolerances while maintaining reliable prevailing torque through the dedicated resilient component.
2Reliability
If the prevailing torque function is provided by the threads on the hub lock nut, then the torque can be generated through thread engagement, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for careful alignment and thread protection
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the torque-generating function into a separate resilient portion, the assembly process is simplified. The resilient portion can be pre-formed and requires no special alignment or protection measures, allowing workers to quickly assemble the lock nut without complex procedures, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion automatically generates prevailing torque through its elastic deformation when engaged with the mating component, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures, special tools, or careful thread alignment. The component self-adjusts to provide the required torque, streamlining the assembly process.
3Reliability
If the resilient portion is designed with high resilience to provide robust prevailing torque, then the torque can be maintained under load, but the resilient portion may deform permanently after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties and geometric parameters of the resilient portion are optimized to balance elasticity and durability. By carefully selecting the material composition and designing the cross-sectional dimensions, the resilient portion maintains sufficient elastic recovery for multiple assembly cycles while providing the required prevailing torque under operational loads.
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
This design provides a robust and efficient means of retaining wheel hubs with adaptable torque levels, reducing thread damage risk and enabling easier assembly and disassembly, while maintaining resilience and reusability.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one resilient portion is adapted to flex in the radial direction R outwardly from the central hole when subjected to the force F
Data Source
AI summary
A hub lock nut assembly for retaining a vehicle wheel hub in position. The hub lock nut assembly comprising a hub lock nut and a mating component with which the hub lock nut is arranged to be mated in a mated position. The hub lock nut comprises a circumferential inner wall defining a central hole, the inner wall having a threaded portion. One of the hub lock nut or the mating component comprises at least one resilient portion adapted to be movable in a radial direction outwardly of the central hole when subjected to an external force provided by the other of the mating component or the hub lock nut. The at least one resilient portion having an engagement area for receiving said external force, wherein the engagement area is located radially outwardly of the threaded portion.