Resilient Hub Lock Nut Assembly for Secure Prevailing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub lock nut assemblies do not provide sufficient prevailing torque to securely retain the wheel hub in position and are not cost-effective in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A hub lock nut assembly with a threaded portion divided into two sections by an annular groove, allowing a resilient portion to flex axially, combined with a mating component that exerts a force on the second section to generate prevailing torque, without requiring modifications to the spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hub lock nut assembly is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the prevailing torque function is insufficient and the wheel hub retention is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portion of the hub lock nut is segmented into a first section and a second section by an annular groove. This segmentation allows the second section to be narrower and more flexible, enabling it to deform and engage with the mating component to generate sufficient prevailing torque for secure wheel hub retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the second section of the threaded portion is reduced compared to the first section, creating a resilient portion with different mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the second section to flex and deform under load, providing the necessary prevailing torque function.
2Reliability
If modifications are made to the spindle to improve locking, then the prevailing torque function is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases and the spindle design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire spindle, the invention applies a localized solution by creating a specific groove geometry in the hub lock nut's threaded portion. This local modification to the nut allows it to deform and engage with the mating component, providing enhanced locking function without requiring any changes to the spindle design or increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If the second section width is increased, then the resilient portion becomes more robust, but the flexibility and prevailing torque generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second section of the threaded portion is designed with a width that is partially reduced compared to the first section, creating a resilient portion that is narrow enough to flex and deform for engaging the mating component, yet sufficient to provide the necessary prevailing torque function.
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
Provides robust prevailing torque function efficiently, ensuring wheel hub retention with cost-effective manufacturing by using hot-formed steel components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient portion arranged to flex with respect to the first section in an axial direction
Data Source
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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 comprising a circumferential inner wall defining a central hole, the inner wall having a threaded portion separated into a first section and a second section by an annular groove in the threaded portion, thereby configuring the second section as a resilient portion arranged to flex with respect to the first section in an axial direction. The mating component comprising an inner wall defining a central hole extending in the axial direction, the mating component comprising an annular end surface facing in the axial direction, wherein a protrusion is arranged on the annular end surface adjacent to the central hole. The protrusion being configured to exert a force on the second section of the hub lock nut threaded portion, in the axial direction, when in the mated position, thereby retaining the vehicle wheel hub in position.