Compact Static Sealing Device for Wheel Hub Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static sealing devices for wheel hub assemblies connected to constant velocity joints are expensive, complex to manufacture, and result in increased axial and radial dimensions, making them difficult to mount and prone to deformation, which affects the protection of the junction zone and rolling bodies.
Innovation Solution
A compact static sealing device with reduced axial and radial dimensions, featuring a first sealing assembly with L-shaped shields and a signal generating element made of magnetizable elastomeric material, and a second sealing assembly with a tubular core that avoids peak loads during mounting, ensuring effective fluid-tight sealing and reduced dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing assembly with dual fold and protruding sleeve portion is used, then sealing protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into two separate sealing assemblies: a first sealing assembly for protecting rolling bodies and a second sealing assembly for protecting the junction zone. This segmentation allows each assembly to be simpler in structure while collectively providing comprehensive sealing protection, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If a second sealing assembly is mounted separately onto the inner bearing ring, then sealing protection is improved, but axial dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second sealing assembly is nested within the structure of the first sealing assembly. Specifically, the tubular core of the second sealing assembly is fitted within the inner bearing ring in a space that does not significantly increase the overall axial dimensions, allowing both sealing assemblies to coexist in a compact configuration.
3Reliability
If the inner bearing ring is made longer to accommodate separate sealing assemblies, then sealing protection is improved, but mounting difficulty increases due to peak loads
Solution Approach 1:
The second sealing assembly is designed with a tubular core that can be preliminarily fitted into the inner bearing ring before the final assembly step. This preliminary fitting allows for proper positioning and alignment, distributing mounting loads more evenly and avoiding peak loads that could cause deformation during the final assembly operation.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture sealing device that effectively protects the rolling bodies and coupling zone with reduced dimensions, ensuring reliable sealing and efficient mounting without subjecting parts to peak loads.
Implementation Method 1
a first sealing assembly with L-shaped shields and a signal generating element made of magnetizable elastomeric material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A static sealing device (1) for a wheel hub assembly (3), an inner ring (5) of which is operatively associated with a constant velocity joint (6), an outer ring (10) of which is coupled with the wheel hub, including a first sealing assembly (14) arranged between the inner ring and an outer ring of the wheel hub for protecting respective rolling bodies (9), and a second sealing assembly (15) integrally carried by the inner ring, arranged straddling the wheel hub and the outer ring of the joint; wherein the first sealing assembly (14) includes a shield (16) anchored to the inner ring (5) of the bearing and provided, on the side of the joint, with a flange portion (18) carrying an annular signal generating element (19) towards the joint which leaves an annular radially inner area of the flange portion uncovered, defining an annular seat (30) between it and the inner ring in which an edge (31) radially folded on the outside of a tubular core (28) of the second sealing assembly couples in use.