Hydraulic Motor Hub Integration for Reduced Axial Encumbrance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic motors integrated in vehicular wheels face issues such as the external oil distributor projecting from the hub, requiring bearings to operate in hydraulic oil instead of lubricating grease or oil, and separate fixing mechanisms for the hub and hydraulic motor to the articulated stub axle, leading to increased axial encumbrance and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic motor design features an annular distributor splined to the articulated stub axle, with a tapered external surface and complementary internal surface for axial support, allowing the distributor to be contained within the hub, and a single threaded ring nut for shared connection of the hub and motor to the stub axle, eliminating the need for additional bearings and simplifying assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fixed part of the oil distributor is mounted overhead of the end of the articulated stub axle in a coaxial way, then the distributor can be positioned to actuate the radial pistons, but it projects from the hub profile and is more subject to hit sidewalks and other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed part of the distributor is nested within the hub structure, specifically positioned within the annular housing formed by the fixed part itself. The distributor is splined to the articulated stub axle and contained within the hub, preventing it from projecting outward and avoiding impact with sidewalks or other objects while maintaining its actuation function.
2Ease of operation
If the movable part of the distributor is splined to the articulated stub axle, then it can be positioned for oil distribution, but it increases axial encumbrance and requires additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The movable part of the distributor is merged with the fixed part through a spline connection, where the movable part is splined to the fixed part rather than to the articulated stub axle. This integration allows the movable part to be fully supported by the fixed part, reducing axial encumbrance and eliminating the need for additional support structures such as cup bearings.
3Strength
If distinct fixing means are provided to connect the hub to the articulated stub axle and to connect the hydraulic motor to the articulated stub axle, then both components can be securely connected, but it increases device complexity and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
A single threaded ring nut is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects both the hub and the hydraulic motor to the articulated stub axle, and also serves as the adjustment mechanism for bearing positions. This universal fixing means reduces device complexity and simplifies assembly while maintaining secure connection of both components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the most external bearing is placed within the area of the hub that confines the hydraulic oil, then the bearing is readily positioned, but it has to work in hydraulic oil whose physical-chemical characteristics are different from lubricating grease or oil
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is extracted from the hydraulic oil environment by positioning it outside the area of the hub that confines the hydraulic oil. The bearing remains in its optimal lubricating grease or oil environment while the hub structure is configured to exclude the hydraulic oil from the bearing region, ensuring reliable bearing operation.
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 reduces axial encumbrance, eliminates the need for cup bearings, and simplifies the connection and adjustment of components, enhancing the integration and functionality of the hydraulic motor within the vehicular wheel by containing the distributor within the hub and using a single connection for both the hub and motor.
Implementation Method 1
the fixed part of the distributor has an external lateral surface that is tapered towards the free end of the articulated articulated stub axle and the movable part of the distributor has also an annular form with an internal lateral surface complementary to the external lateral surface of the respective fixed part, so that the movable part is splined to the fixed part of the distributor
Implementation Method 2
the distributor has an annular form and is splined on the articulated articulated stub axle
Implementation Method 3
a single threaded ring nut on the free end of the stub axle
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic motor (1) integrated in a vehicular wheel comprising a hub (200) having a cylindrical symmetry supported by a articulated stub axle (100) and defining a development axis (X) of the hub (200) and of the hydraulic motor, a motor body (12), rotatably integral with the articulated stub axle (100), having an annular shape and being equipped with radial pistons, a ring nut (13) integral with a hub (200) and wherein said radial pistons act, an hydraulic oil distributor (15-16), wherein the hydraulic oil distributor (15-16) is housed in the hub (100).