Variable Track Wheel Centering Device for Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable track wheels face challenges in axial alignment during assembly, leading to misalignment and vibrations, particularly in large vehicles, and require complex centering systems that are not adaptable for spare part replacements or effective across all types, including those with spacers.
Innovation Solution
A variable track wheel design featuring a connecting member with spacers and a centering device comprising a hole, pin, and coupling element that adapts dimensions, allowing for precise alignment and easy replacement of the disc and rim without mechanical machining, ensuring a balanced wheel assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the disc and rim are assembled using conventional fastening methods, then the wheel can be assembled, but axial misalignment occurs causing vibrations and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing centering pins that protrude from the disc before assembly with the rim. These pins are positioned in advance to guide the rim onto the disc in the correct axial alignment, preventing misalignment before it occurs during the assembly process. This preliminary centering mechanism ensures precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pins act as intermediary elements between the disc and rim during assembly. These pins protrude from the disc and fit into corresponding holes in the rim, serving as a mediating structure that ensures proper axial alignment. The intermediary centering mechanism transfers the alignment function from the fastening bolts to dedicated centering elements, thereby eliminating vibrations caused by misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If centering pins are used for alignment during assembly, then axial alignment is improved, but the holes can become damaged during pin removal or reinsertion reducing subsequent mounting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the centering pins from the assembly after the rim and disc are properly aligned and secured with fastening bolts. The pins serve their centering function only during the assembly process, then are extracted to avoid interfering with the final assembled state. This extraction prevents damage to the holes from repeated pin insertion and removal, maintaining mounting precision consistency for future disassembly and reassembly operations.
3Ease of repair
If spare parts replacement is required, then maintenance can be performed, but complex centering systems require mechanical machining to maintain compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing multiple centering pins at different positions around the disc perimeter. This segmentation allows for modular replacement of individual components - if one centering pin or the disc is replaced, the standardized positioning of multiple pins ensures compatibility without requiring custom machining. The segmented approach to centering simplifies spare part replacement while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pins serve multiple functions: they provide axial alignment during assembly, serve as positioning references for balancing, and enable easy identification of correct assembly orientation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate centering mechanisms and simplifies spare part replacement, as the same centering pins work across different disc and rim configurations without requiring complex machining operations.
4Speed
If the wheel is designed for high speed travel, then vehicle performance is improved, but misalignment causes safety problems due to vehicle instability
Solution Approach 1:
The centering pins perform preliminary alignment action before the wheel is mounted at high speeds. By ensuring precise axial alignment of the disc and rim during assembly through the protruding centering pins, the wheel is prepared to withstand high-speed operation without developing misalignment-induced vibrations. This preliminary centering action is critical for maintaining vehicle stability during high-speed travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering pins act as intermediary elements that mediate between the disc and rim to ensure precise alignment. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the harmful vibrations that would otherwise occur during high-speed vehicle operation, thereby maintaining vehicle stability and safety. The centering pins transfer alignment forces during assembly to ensure the wheel components are precisely positioned for high-speed performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable track wheel comprises a rim suitable for receiving a tire, and a disc through which said wheel is mountable on a hub, said disc being removably secured by fastenings to a connecting member provided in said rim, said connecting member projecting towards a rotation axis of said wheel, said wheel further comprising a plurality of spacers interposed between an annular perimeter zone of said disc and said connecting member of said rim, said disc and said rim being mountable in a plurality of reciprocal axial positions and in a plurality of reciprocal orientations to obtain a variation in the track of said wheel, said wheel further comprising at least one centering device for mutual positioning of said disc and of said rim said centering device comprising a hole and a pin said hole or said pin being provided in said connecting member or in said disc said centering device further comprising a coupling element so conformed as to cooperate with said hole and with said pin for reciprocally coupling said pin and said hole.