Steer Axle Tire Inflation via Rotary Union and Spindle Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective tire inflation system suitable for vehicle steer axles that can provide pressurized fluid communication from a pressurized fluid supply to the tire through a steer-axle spindle, ensuring reliable inflation and deflation while accommodating the pivotable nature of the steer axle.
Innovation Solution
A tire inflation system comprising a pressurized fluid supply and a pivotably mounted steer-axle spindle with an axial channel and a rotary union, where the spindle forms a sealed fluid communication pathway from the pressurized fluid supply to the tire, allowing for efficient air flow and pressure regulation, including the use of annular seals and filters to maintain seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary union is used to provide sealed fluid communication through the pivotable steer-axle spindle, then reliable tire inflation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary union acts as an intermediary device that enables sealed fluid communication between the stationary pressurized fluid supply and the rotating tire, while accommodating the pivotable movement of the steer-axle spindle. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by providing a specialized interface that maintains sealing during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static sealing approach to a dynamic one, where the rotary union is specifically designed to maintain sealed fluid communication while accommodating the dynamic pivotable movements of the steer-axle spindle. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to changing positions while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If an axial channel is formed through the steer-axle spindle to provide fluid communication, then the inflation system becomes more compact, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid communication pathway is segmented into distinct components: the axial channel formed through the steer-axle spindle, the rotary union with its own internal passages, and the connection to the tire. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and sealed independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a single integrated pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial channel in the steer-axle spindle serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the spindle, guides the pivotable movement, and simultaneously serves as a fluid communication pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, making the system more compact while the modular design mitigates manufacturing precision challenges.
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 system ensures reliable tire inflation and deflation by maintaining sealed fluid communication through the steer-axle spindle, accommodating pivotable movements and providing a warning system for pressure leaks, thus enhancing vehicle safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized fluid supply; the steer-axle spindle may have an inner face facing the steer axle and having an outer end, the steer-axle spindle may form an axial channel along the central axis of the steer-axle spindle, the axial channel may extend from the inner face to the outer end and in sealed fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
a rotary union may be sealingly mounted to the axial channel at an outer end of the steer-axle spindle, the rotary union being in sealed fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and with the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.