Spindle Nut Assembly with Locking Ring for Truck Hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing wheel hubs and bearings on truck axles are inefficient, as they often result in unpredictable bearing preload and potential damage to spindle threads due to the lack of precise control over nut tightening, leading to difficulties in removal and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A nut and washer assembly with a locking ring and axially oriented threaded openings, where a washer with a key engages the spindle keyway, and machine screws or fasteners secure the locking ring to the nut, maintaining the desired bearing preload without rotating the nut, thus preventing distortion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a second lock nut is tightened against the first nut to secure the hub, then the hub is locked in place, but the bearing preload increases to an unknown value and the spindle threads may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A locking ring with arcuate slots is introduced as an intermediary component between the nut and the spindle threads. The locking ring engages with the nut through threaded fasteners and provides a locking surface that prevents nut rotation without requiring direct contact between the lock nut and spindle threads, thereby eliminating thread damage and preload uncertainty
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the nut for applying preload, the locking ring for preventing rotation, and the threaded fasteners for securing the locking ring to the nut. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, maintaining precise preload control while ensuring secure retention
2Reliability
If the nut is rotated to align locking features with the pin for securing, then the hub is locked against rotation, but the bearing preload changes and is typically reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is tightened to the correct bearing preload before the locking ring is installed and secured. The locking ring is then attached to the nut in its correct rotational position, eliminating the need to rotate the nut afterward. This preliminary action ensures the bearing preload remains consistent while still achieving secure rotational locking
3Device complexity
If a thin lock nut is used to carry axial force, then the assembly is simpler, but the nut can distort or damage the spindle threads under certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring serves as a mediator that distributes the locking forces away from the spindle threads. It engages with the nut through multiple threaded fasteners and provides a robust locking surface, preventing the thin nut from directly loading and damaging the spindle threads while maintaining assembly simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for and a method of securing hubs and bearings on truck spindles includes a first or inner nut, a locking ring or washer and a second or outer nut. The inner nut includes a plurality of axially oriented threaded openings. The locking ring or washer includes a radially inwardly directed key and fastener receiving features. The outer nut includes through aligned, axially oriented openings. A plurality of threaded fasteners extend through the openings in the outer nut, through the fastener receiving features in the locking ring and into the threaded openings in the inner nut. A method of installation is also presented.