Steered Axle Compressed Air System Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed air systems for commercial vehicles are limited by a large space requirement, preventing their use in compact steered axles, and existing solutions do not efficiently utilize the limited space on steered wheels for both compressed air supply and steering angle limitation.
Innovation Solution
A compressed air system with a hollow-body axle element, a holding element, and a transmission unit that integrates compressed air supply and steering angle limitation, utilizing a channel for air transmission and an adapter element with a self-locking thread for precise steering angle adjustment, allowing for a compact and lightweight design suitable for steered axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air systems are designed with separate components for air supply and steering control, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission unit with the steering knuckle by integrating the transmission housing directly into the steering knuckle structure. This merging eliminates separate components for air supply and steering control, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through the unified design that houses both functions within a single integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission unit serves dual functions: it transmits rotational force from the steering wheel to the steering arm while simultaneously housing the compressed air system for tire pressure control. The adapter element further exemplifies multi-functionality by providing both mechanical connection and airtight sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the space and complexity constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If compressed air systems use traditional separate component design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but space requirements prevent use in compact steered axles
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air system components are nested within the transmission unit housing, which itself is integrated into the steering knuckle. The adapter element is inserted into the transmission unit, and the seal is positioned within the engagement section. This nested arrangement accommodates all necessary components for compressed air supply within the compact volume of the steered axle assembly, enabling use in space-constrained applications.
3Strength
If the axle element is designed as solid for structural strength, then strength is improved, but weight increases and compressed air supply becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The axle element is designed as a hollow structure with a wall thickness that provides necessary structural strength while reducing weight compared to a solid design. The hollow interior creates a cavity that serves as the compressed air supply chamber, eliminating the need for separate air reservoirs. This segmentation of the axle element into a thin-walled hollow structure simultaneously achieves weight reduction and enables integrated compressed air supply.
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 effectively utilizes limited space on steered axles for both compressed air supply and steering angle limitation, reducing weight and production costs by integrating components, enabling efficient operation on steered wheels with minimal additional pressure lines and precise steering control.
Implementation Method 1
a channel (62) which opens into the air volume (V) at its first end and can be connected to a compressed air generation unit at its opposite, second end
Implementation Method 2
The adapter element (64) has a self-locking thread for precise steering angle adjustment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compressed air system comprising an axle element, a retaining element and a transfer unit. The axle element is formed as a hollow body and is open towards a first end, the retaining element is fixed to the first end of the axle element such that it hermetically seals the first end, and the retaining element has an engagement portion in which the transfer unit can be sealingly fixed. The axle element, the retaining element and the transfer unit surround an air volume, and the transfer unit has a channel which flows into the air volume at its first end and which can be brought into connection with a compressed air system at its opposite, second end.