Vehicle Wheel Bearing Rigidity and Weight Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel bearing apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously increasing rigidity and reducing weight, especially in limited spaces such as around vehicle suspensions, where traditional designs struggle to balance strength and durability under moment loads.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates double row ball bearings with a larger pitch circle diameter on the outer side and a smaller one on the inner side, along with ribs and conical recesses to enhance rigidity and reduce weight, and strategically positioned bolt apertures to optimize structural integrity and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of the bearing apparatus is increased to increase rigidity, then bearing rigidity is improved, but the space required around the suspension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming ribs at specific locations on the wheel mounting flange and hub wheel where structural reinforcement is most needed. These ribs are positioned to maximize rigidity enhancement while occupying minimal additional space, allowing the bearing apparatus to achieve higher rigidity without increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the arrangement of ribs and recesses on the wheel mounting flange and hub wheel. The ribs are strategically positioned at specific radial and axial locations rather than being uniformly distributed, creating an asymmetric structure that optimizes rigidity in critical areas while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Weight of moving object
If material is removed to reduce weight, then weight is decreased, but rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming ribs at specific locations on the wheel mounting flange and hub wheel where structural reinforcement is most needed. These ribs are positioned to maximize rigidity enhancement while occupying minimal additional space, allowing the bearing apparatus to achieve higher rigidity without increasing overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the thickness, height, and positioning of ribs and recesses in the wheel mounting flange and hub wheel. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the design achieves maximum rigidity enhancement per unit of material added, effectively improving the strength-to-weight ratio.
3Force
If double row tapered roller bearings are used for heavy duty vehicles, then load capacity is improved, but rotation torque and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by adopting the successful design features from double row tapered roller bearings (such as the double row configuration and raceway geometry) but implementing them with ball bearings instead of roller elements. This allows the design to replicate the high load capacity characteristics while achieving lower rotation torque and improved fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the bearing element type from rollers to balls while maintaining the double row configuration. This parameter change fundamentally alters the friction characteristics and rotation torque requirements, enabling the bearing to handle heavy loads with significantly reduced rotational resistance and improved fuel consumption.
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 configuration achieves a significant increase in bearing rigidity and extends bearing life while reducing weight by up to 33-37% in the outer member and 16-18% in the hub wheel, effectively addressing the antinomic goals of increased rigidity and reduced weight.
Implementation Method 1
double row ball bearings with a larger pitch circle diameter on the outer side and a smaller one on the inner side
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle which can solve the antinomic problems of reducing the weight and of increasing the rigidity of the bearing apparatus is provided. According to the present invention there is provided a bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle comprising an outer member (2), an inner member (1) and double row groups of characterized in that a pitch circle diameter (PCDo) of the ball group of the outer side is larger than a pitch circle diameter (PCDi) of the ball group of the inner side, and that ribs (17) are formed on a surface of the inner side of the wheel mounting flange (6), each rib (17) being formed by an outline including straight portions (17a) radially extending outward from the base of the wheel mounting flange (6) and a rounded tip portion (17b) having a predetermined radius of curvature (r) centered on the axial center (0) of hub bolt (6a) and substantially corresponding to a distance between the axial center (O) and the outermost periphery of the wheel mounting flange (6).