Torque Tube Installation Apparatus for Off-Highway Vehicle Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of torque tubes in off-highway vehicle wheel drive assemblies poses challenges due to the heavy weight of the torque tubes, which can crush the seal between the torque tube and the seal ring, and requires precise spacing to prevent leakage and ensure proper operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising arcuate clamp portions with downwardly depending legs is used to position and secure the torque tube, setting a predetermined clearance between the torque tube and the seal ring, thereby preventing crushing and ensuring proper alignment during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the torque tube is lowered onto the wheel frame from above, then the torque tube can be installed onto the wheel frame, but the weight of the torque tube can crush the seal between the seal ring and the torque tube
Solution Approach 1:
The installation apparatus is positioned around the torque tube before the torque tube is lowered onto the wheel frame. The apparatus includes clamp portions that engage the torque tube and legs that will contact the wheel frame to establish proper spacing before the seal ring is compressed, preventing seal crushing during the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The installation apparatus acts as an intermediary between the torque tube and the wheel frame during installation. The apparatus includes clamp portions, legs, and spacing members that mediate the interaction between these components, ensuring proper alignment and spacing while distributing the weight of the torque tube to prevent seal damage
2Ease of manufacture
If the torque tube is lowered onto the wheel frame from above, then the torque tube can be installed onto the wheel frame, but the proper clearance between the torque tube and the seal ring housing the oil seal cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The installation apparatus is positioned around the torque tube before the torque tube is lowered onto the wheel frame. The apparatus includes clamp portions that engage the torque tube and legs that will contact the wheel frame to establish proper spacing before the seal ring is compressed, preventing seal crushing during the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus replaces manual positioning and measurement methods with a mechanical system that automatically ensures proper clearance. The legs and spacing members provide fixed dimensional references that mechanically enforce the correct spacing between the torque tube and seal ring housing, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installing a torque tube includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. The first clamp portion is arcuate in shape and has opposed first distal ends. The second clamp portion is arcuate in shape and has opposed second distal ends configured to abut the first distal ends of the first clamp portion to form a ring. The first clamp portion and the second clamp portion are configured to clamp a torque tube therebetween. The apparatus also includes a plurality of legs depending downwardly from the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion which are configured to set a spacing between the torque tube and a seal ring.