Splined Wheel Hub Disconnect Assembly for Tow Back-EMF Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive axles with torque interruption capabilities are complex to install, costly, and difficult to access for servicing, and electric vehicles without these capabilities experience back electromotive force (EMF) during towing, which can degrade motor components.
Innovation Solution
A wheel hub system with an outer bearing assembly, inner race, and hub body featuring interior splines that can removably couple to torque couplings and hub lock devices, allowing for quick adaptation between configurations and enhanced accessibility for manufacturing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque interruption devices are added to drive axles, then torque interruption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is designed with a universal splined interface that can accommodate multiple types of torque interruption devices (hub lock devices, torque couplings, disconnect devices) through the same mounting location. This multi-functional design allows the basic hub structure to support various torque management functions without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque interruption capability is segmented into removable and replaceable device modules that can be independently installed or removed from the hub assembly. This segmentation allows the core hub structure to remain relatively simple while torque interruption functionality is added through separate, standardized components that interface with the hub's splined opening.
2Reliability
If torque interruption devices are installed, then torque interruption capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly incorporates a standardized splined interface and mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of torque interruption devices. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using a common hub design for different vehicle applications and torque device types, reducing tooling costs and assembly complexity while maintaining torque interruption capability.
3Reliability
If torque interruption devices are added, then torque interruption capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The torque interruption devices are designed as separable components that can be independently removed from the hub assembly through the splined interface. This segmentation enables mechanics to access, remove, and replace torque interruption devices without disassembling the entire wheel hub or bearing assemblies, significantly improving ease of repair and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque interruption devices are extracted as separate, removable components from the hub assembly rather than being integrated into the bearing or wheel structures. This extraction allows the devices to be easily accessed and serviced by simply removing the device from the hub's splined opening, improving maintenance accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wheel hub system allows quick adaptation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly features a universal splined interface design that can quickly adapt to accommodate different torque interruption devices and wheel configurations. This multi-functional interface provides adaptability across various vehicle platforms and applications while maintaining a relatively simple basic hub structure, balancing versatility with complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel hub system. The wheel hub system includes, in one example, includes an outer bearing assembly with an inner race coupled to a hub body, a wheel flange configured to removably coupled to the hub body, and an inner bearing including an outer race that is coupled to the hub body and an inner race that is coupled to a shaft. In the wheel hub system, the hub body includes interior splines which circumferentially surround exterior splines on the shaft.