Integrated Wheel Hub and Pulley Assembly for Easier Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling vehicle wheel assemblies are complex, requiring precise manufacturing and assembly, which can lead to service challenges and reduced operational efficiency due to the large number of interconnecting components.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with a unitary wheel hub featuring a combined wheel rim and pulley portion, along with a single-component axle, and ring bearings for improved co-axiality and reduced component interfaces, simplifying manufacturing and service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex wheel assembly with multiple separate components (wheel rim, pulley, axle assembly, bearings) is used, then the wheel assembly can perform both rotation and belt engagement functions, but the manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheel rim and pulley into a single integrated wheel hub component. The wheel hub features an outer circumferential surface that provides both the wheel rim portion and the pulley portion with teeth, eliminating the need for separate wheel rim and pulley components. This merging reduces the number of parts and interfaces, thereby reducing assembly complexity and improving manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both the wheel rim and the pulley. The circumferential surface of the wheel hub provides both the wheel rim portion for rotational movement and the pulley portion with teeth for belt engagement, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions that were previously requiring separate parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components (wheel rim, pulley, axle assembly, bearings) are used in the wheel assembly, then the assembly can be manufactured using standard processes, but the number of interconnecting components increases leading to service challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub integrates the wheel rim and pulley functions into a single component, reducing the total number of parts in the wheel assembly. This integration simplifies the assembly structure, reducing the number of interconnecting components and interfaces that require maintenance and service attention.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating the wheel rim and pulley, the patent maintains segmentation between the wheel hub assembly and the axle assembly, allowing the wheel hub to be independently manufactured and serviced. The wheel hub can be removed and replaced as a single unit, simplifying repair operations compared to dealing with multiple separate components.
3Device complexity
If a unitary wheel hub with combined wheel rim and pulley portions is used, then the number of component interfaces is reduced simplifying manufacturing, but the structural complexity of the hub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub combines the wheel rim and pulley portions into a single integrated structure with a circumferential surface that provides both functional areas. This merging reduces the number of component interfaces and connections required, simplifying the overall assembly while the hub's shape is designed to accommodate both functions efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel assembly (8) for a container handling vehicle (201,301,40) comprises a unitary wheel hub (9), wherein a circumferential surface of the wheel hub includes a wheel rim portion (10) and a pulley portion.