Ported Wheel Hub Assembly for Compact Tire Inflation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire inflation systems are limited by their package size, which restricts their versatility and adaptability in various vehicle applications, particularly in compact or mid-size sport utility vehicles, where reduced size is essential for enhanced maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wheel hub assembly with a non-rotating outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange, featuring rolling elements and fluid conduits for efficient pressurized fluid communication, allowing for compact integration while maintaining the ability to adjust tire pressures dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional tire inflation systems are used, then tire pressure adjustment capability is provided, but package size becomes too large for compact vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tire inflation system components with the wheel hub assembly, integrating the fluid port, conduits, and control mechanisms into the existing hub structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate inflation system components, thereby reducing overall package size while preserving tire pressure adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wheel, houses the bearing assembly for rotation, and incorporates the tire inflation system components. The outer bearing flange serves both as a structural element and as a housing for the fluid port and conduits, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces system complexity and size.
2Length of moving object
If package size is reduced, then maneuverability and fuel efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is segmented into distinct functional components (fluid port, first conduit, second conduit, bearing flanges) that are independently designed and then integrated into the wheel hub assembly. This modular segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner bearing flange is nested within the outer bearing flange, with the fluid conduits positioned within the annular space between them. The rotating spindle passes through the inner bearing flange, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and reduces overall system volume while maintaining functional independence of each component.
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
Enables a compact tire inflation system that enhances vehicle maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and reduces maintenance requirements by allowing for precise tire pressure adjustments, even in smaller vehicle formats.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rolling element disposed radially between the outer bearing flange and the inner bearing flange
Implementation Method 2
a first conduit disposed through the outer bearing flange in fluid communication with the fluid port. A second conduit is disposed through the inner bearing flange, wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel hub assembly having a non-rotating outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange disposed at least partially concentrically within the outer bearing flange. At least one rolling element is disposed radially between the outer bearing flange and the inner bearing flange. A port is disposed in the outer bearing flange, and a first conduit is disposed through the outer bearing flange in fluid communication with the fluid port. A second conduit is disposed through the inner bearing flange, wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit. A rotating spindle is disposed at least partially through the inner bearing flange, and the spindle is coupled for rotation with the inner bearing flange.