Integrated Wheel Bearing Inner Ring and Tripod Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel bearings face challenges in efficiently transmitting high torques while maintaining a compact design and stable assembly, often requiring preload adjustment and compromising on kinematic optimization and material fatigue resistance.
Innovation Solution
A wheel bearing design featuring a one-piece inner ring forming an outer ring of a tripod constant-velocity joint with two rolling-element rows, where the inner ring includes a rim locking flange and an interference-fit component attached by orbital riveting, allowing for efficient torque transmission and compact axial design without preload adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a wheel bearing uses a conventional design with separate components, then assembly and disassembly are straightforward, but the structure becomes bulky and torque transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner ring of the wheel bearing is merged with the outer ring of the tripod constant-velocity joint into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate inner ring and outer ring components, reducing the number of parts while enhancing torque transmission efficiency through direct structural connection. The integrated design allows for more compact arrangement and improved power transmission from the drive shaft to the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated inner ring-outer ring component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the bearing's inner ring and the constant-velocity joint's outer ring, provides structural support, enables torque transmission, and facilitates compact axial design. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining or improving performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner ring is designed as a one-piece structure with locking flange, then assembly stability and rigidity improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking flange is merged into the one-piece inner ring structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This integration improves assembly stability by ensuring rigid connection between the wheel bearing assembly and the wheel hub, while the one-piece casting or forging process maintains manufacturing feasibility through established industrial techniques.
3Length of stationary object
If the axial distance between the outer ring and wheel-facing side is reduced, then compact axial design is achieved, but drive shaft length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-velocity joint's tripods are arranged radially around the central axis, utilizing the circumferential dimension to accommodate the joint mechanism. This radial arrangement allows the outer ring to be positioned closer to the wheel-facing side axially, achieving compact axial design, while the drive shaft can extend along the axial dimension without interference from the joint components.
4Ease of operation
If interference-fit components are used instead of adjustable preload mechanisms, then assembly simplicity improves, but precision control of preload is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interference-fit components are designed with precisely controlled dimensional parameters during manufacturing. By optimizing the interference fit dimensions and material properties, the desired preload is achieved directly through the interference fit itself, eliminating the need for adjustable mechanisms. This approach maintains assembly simplicity while achieving sufficient preload control through precision manufacturing parameters.
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
This design enhances torque transmission efficiency, reduces material fatigue, and achieves a stable, compact, and rigid structure with improved kinematic control, enabling longer drive shafts and reduced defects.
Implementation Method 1
a component (28) that is attached in an interference-fit manner to an inner-ring base body (30) of the inner ring (10)
Implementation Method 2
The component is advantageously attached to the inner ring base body by orbital riveting.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel bearing including at least one inner ring. In order to achieve a greater efficiency, the inner ring forms an outer ring of a tripod constant-velocity joint. The wheel bearing may further include an outer ring and two rolling-element rows including a first rolling-element row and a second rolling-element row.