Integrated Axle Unit Actuation for Commercial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle units for commercial vehicles require significant installation space and weight for reversing locks, and are susceptible to foreign bodies during operation, while existing solutions for steered axles are complex and heavy.
Innovation Solution
An axle unit with an integrated actuation unit that includes a cylinder, piston rod, and piston, secured within the axle tube to prevent displacement and protect against environmental influences, allowing for compact design and reliable resetting of steered axles with minimal weight and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reversing locks are used for steered axles, then reliable resetting and locking function is achieved, but installation space and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation unit is integrated directly into the axle tube, merging the resetting and locking functions with the existing axle structure. This eliminates the need for separate reversing lock components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation unit is nested within the hollow axle tube structure, with the cylinder and piston rod arranged inside the tube's internal cavity. This nested configuration utilizes the existing structural space of the axle tube, avoiding additional external components and reducing overall system weight.
2Reliability
If traditional reversing locks are used for steered axles, then reliable resetting and locking function is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation unit is merged with the axle tube structure, utilizing the tube's internal cavity for housing the cylinder and piston rod. This integration eliminates the need for separate external mounting space, thereby reducing the overall installation footprint while ensuring reliable resetting and locking functionality.
3Ease of repair
If actuation unit is arranged outside the axle tube, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but susceptibility to foreign bodies and environmental influences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation unit is nested within the protected internal cavity of the axle tube, shielding the cylinder and piston rod from foreign bodies and environmental influences during operation. The axle tube itself serves as a protective enclosure, preventing contamination while the unit remains functional.
4Weight of stationary object
If compact actuation unit is used, then weight and installation space are reduced, but integration complexity into existing axle units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axle tube is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steered axle and simultaneously serves as a protective housing and mounting structure for the actuation unit. This multi-functionality simplifies integration by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and complex assembly procedures.
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 solution provides a reliable and lightweight axle unit that effectively resets and secures steered axles during reversing, reducing the risk of foreign body interference and minimizing installation space, while maintaining the vehicle's straight-ahead driving position even in fault conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to an axle unit for use in commercial vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles with a hydraulic or compressed air system
Data Source
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AI summary
Relates to an axle unit, in particular for use in utility vehicles with a hydraulic or compressed air system, comprising an axle tube (2) and an actuation unit (4), wherein the axle tube (2) has a receiving opening (22), wherein the actuation unit (4) has a cylinder (42), a piston rod (44) and a piston (46), wherein the piston (46) divides a chamber (41) of the actuation unit (4) into a first chamber region (41A) and a second chamber region (41B), wherein the piston rod (44) is in engagement with the piston and is designed in such a manner that it can be brought into engagement with a limb (6) of the axle unit in order to transmit a force to the limb (6), wherein the actuation unit (4) is arranged in the receiving opening (22) in the axle tube (2) and is secured against shifting transversely with respect to a tube axis (A) and at least in a direction parallel to the tube axis (A).