Wheel Bearing Outer Ring Layout for Lightweight Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel bearing outer rings with multiple fastening elements for fixing to a car knuckle lack efficiency and structural optimization, particularly in force transmission and mass reduction.
Innovation Solution
The wheel bearing outer ring is designed with fastening elements arranged at varying angles around its central axis, optimized for force transmission, with a reduced number of elements to achieve increased efficiency and a lightweight, stiff structure, where the angles between neighboring elements differ by no more than 20% and are positioned for maximum force transmission, and extended less than 40° in the circumferential direction, intersecting a perpendicular plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the number of fastening elements is increased to improve force transmission and structural stability, then the reliability and strength improve, but the mass of the wheel bearing outer ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning fastening elements at non-uniform angular intervals around the central axis. Specifically, at least one angle between neighboring fastening elements differs from other angles, creating an asymmetric distribution pattern. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes force transmission paths while reducing the total number of fastening elements needed, thereby decreasing mass while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating fastening elements in specific angular regions where force transmission demands are highest. By positioning three fastening elements within a 90° arc (preferably 80° or 70°), the design provides enhanced local reinforcement at critical load zones rather than distributing elements uniformly, achieving optimal strength-to-mass ratio.
2Weight of moving object
If the number of fastening elements is reduced to decrease mass, then the weight decreases, but the force transmission capability and structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric angular distribution of fastening elements allows for reduced element count while maintaining reliability. By strategically positioning elements at varying angles rather than uniform intervals, the design optimizes load paths and ensures adequate force transmission with fewer elements, thus reducing mass without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Concentrating three fastening elements within a 90° arc provides localized reinforcement at critical force transmission zones. This local quality approach ensures that the reduced number of elements is positioned where they are most effective, maintaining service life and force transmission capability despite the overall reduction in element count.
3Ease of manufacture
If fastening elements are positioned at uniform angular intervals to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the force transmission efficiency in bends and load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetric angular positioning of fastening elements to optimize force transmission efficiency during vehicle operation, particularly in bend and load conditions. This asymmetric arrangement, where at least one angle between neighboring elements differs from others, maximizes the mechanical advantage and load distribution, prioritizing performance over manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
By concentrating fastening elements within a specific angular range (three elements within 90°), the design targets force transmission efficiency in critical operational zones. This local optimization ensures superior performance in bends and load conditions, accepting increased manufacturing complexity as a trade-off for enhanced productivity and vehicle dynamics.
4Weight of moving object
If the diameter of the wheel bearing outer ring is reduced to decrease mass, then the weight decreases, but the structural stiffness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric distribution of fastening elements compensates for the reduced diameter by optimizing the moment arms and force transmission paths. This non-uniform arrangement creates more efficient structural leverage, maintaining structural stiffness despite the smaller overall diameter and reduced mass of the wheel bearing outer ring.
Solution Approach 2:
Concentrating fastening elements within a 90° arc provides localized structural reinforcement at critical stress zones. This local quality enhancement compensates for the reduced global diameter, maintaining adequate structural stiffness and rigidity in the lightweightened wheel bearing outer ring design.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel bearing outer ring with a plurality of fastening elements are configured to be fixed to the wheel bearing outer ring to a knuckle of a car are arranged at a radial outer side of the wheel bearing outer ring. A view of the wheel bearing outer ring with a line of vision being a central axis of the wheel bearing outer ring at least one angle between a first one of the fastening elements and a second one of the fastening elements, which are neighbouring with respect to the circumferential direction of the wheel bearing outer ring, differs from an angle between a third one of the fastening elements and one of the fastening elements, which is neighbouring to the third one of the fastening elements with respect to the circumferential direction. All the angles are measured with respect to the central axis and in the circumferential direction.