Hub Lock Nut Assembly With Snap Collar Prevailing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub lock nut assemblies for heavy-duty vehicles face challenges in providing robust prevailing torque without damaging threads during assembly and require precise thread tolerances, leading to inefficient and potentially damaging assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of resilient snap collar portions on the hub lock nut or mating components, which provide prevailing torque through external force application, allowing for relaxed thread tolerances and efficient assembly, with the ability to be reused and adaptable to different torque specifications.
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 hub lock nut can be tightened to provide prevailing torque, but the thread tolerances must be precise and careful assembly is required to avoid thread damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the prevailing torque function from the thread engagement and relocates it to a separate resilient portion (snap collar) that engages with the mating component. This separation allows the threads to be used solely for mechanical fastening without the additional constraint of providing prevailing torque, thereby relaxing thread tolerance requirements and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub lock nut is segmented into distinct functional portions: the threaded portion for mechanical fastening and the resilient portion (snap collar) for providing prevailing torque. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, with the resilient portion designed specifically to provide the required prevailing torque through elastic deformation rather than relying on precise thread engagement.
2Productivity
If the threads are used to provide prevailing torque, then the hub lock nut can be assembled, but the assembly process requires careful handling to avoid thread damage and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the prevailing torque function from the thread engagement and assigning it to the resilient snap collar portion, the assembly process becomes simpler and faster. The resilient portion naturally engages with the mating component through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for careful thread alignment and reducing assembly time while preventing thread damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient snap collar portion automatically provides the prevailing torque function through its elastic properties during the assembly process itself, without requiring additional operations or careful manual handling. The snap collar deforms elastically as it engages with the mating component, self-adjusting to provide the required prevailing torque and simplifying the overall assembly procedure.
3Reliability
If the prevailing torque is provided by thread engagement, then the hub lock nut can be tightened, but the threads are susceptible to damage during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the prevailing torque function from the thread engagement and assigns it to the resilient snap collar portion. This extraction protects the threads from the harmful effects of repeated engagement and disengagement, as the resilient portion absorbs the mechanical stress through elastic deformation, preventing thread damage and maintaining thread integrity over multiple assembly cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient snap collar portion acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses during assembly and disassembly operations. By providing this protective cushioning beforehand, the threads are shielded from direct impact and excessive forces that could cause damage, ensuring long-term thread integrity and reliability.
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 enhances the robustness and efficiency of hub lock nut assemblies by providing a prevailing torque mechanism independent of thread engagement, reducing assembly complexity and allowing for multiple uses without thread damage, while accommodating various torque requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient portion adapted to be movable in a radial direction R outwardly from the central hole when subjected to an external force F
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~5
Figure 6a~6b
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.