Wheel Bearing Impact Brinell Resistance via Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel bearing assemblies are susceptible to side-impact Brinell damage from forces like curb strikes, leading to noise and vibration, and existing solutions increase mass, weight, and cost without significant improvements in resistance.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly with a controlled gap between the wheel mounting component and a non-rotating annular surface, allowing the wheel mounting component to transmit impact loads to the vehicle suspension structure, thereby reducing stress on the rolling elements and preventing Brinell damage, with a clearance of up to 0.30 millimeters and optimized contact width to minimize noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the diametral or axial size of the bearing and/or the size or number of rolling elements is increased to improve side-impact Brinell resistance, then the bearing's impact resistance is improved, but the mass/weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load transfer mechanism involving the bearing housing and vehicle suspension structure as intermediaries. During side impacts, the bearing assembly transfers loads to the vehicle suspension structure through the bearing housing, reducing the burden on bearing rolling elements without increasing bearing size or weight.
2Strength
If bearing raceway shoulder heights are increased to provide additional raceway support during extreme side force events, then the side-impact resistance is improved, but the processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load support function between the bearing raceways and the vehicle suspension structure. The bearing raceways handle normal operational loads, while the vehicle suspension structure provides additional support during extreme side force events, eliminating the need to increase raceway shoulder heights and associated processing costs.
3Productivity
If traditional bearing designs are used to maintain low mass and cost, then manufacturing efficiency is maintained, but side-impact Brinell resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vehicle suspension structure as an intermediary to enhance side-impact resistance without modifying bearing design. The suspension structure absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the bearing from Brinell damage while maintaining standard bearing dimensions and manufacturing processes.
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
Enhances side-impact resistance without adding mass or reducing efficiency, maintaining low processing costs and rotational torque, while preventing Brinell damage and noise generation.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel mounting component is configured to move into contact with the non-rotating annular surface and transmit a part of an impact load to the vehicle suspension structure through the non-rotating annular surface
Implementation Method 2
bearing elements rotatably coupling the wheel mounting component to the non-rotating component to allow the wheel mounting component to rotate relative to the non-rotating component about the axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing assembly having improved impact Brinell resistance is provided. Due to a controlled gap between a rotating component and a non-rotating component or a vehicle suspension structure, the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure is permitted to share impact loads caused by a sufficient side impact to the rotating component, thus preventing excessive loads from being transmitted to rolling elements, and providing greater resistance against Brinell impact damage that would generate a noise and/or vibration condition in the bearing assembly. The width of the controlled gap and of the area of potential contact between the rotating component and the vehicle suspension structure or the non-rotating component are optimized to increase impact Brinell resistance while avoiding excessive contact between the rotating component and the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure during extreme cornering maneuvers.