Wheel Bearing Sensor Assembly With Integrated Sealing Lip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel bearings with sensor assemblies are susceptible to the introduction of foreign substances due to the exposure of sensor components, necessitating separate sealing members, which complicates the structure and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel bearing with an integrated sealing portion in the sensor assembly, featuring a press-fit ring with radial and axial extension portions and a labyrinth structure, prevents foreign substance ingress without additional sealing members, while incorporating both wheel speed and acceleration sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sealing member is installed to prevent foreign substance intrusion, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the sensor assembly housing to form an integrated sealing portion. The housing includes a sealing lip that directly contacts the rotating element, eliminating the need for separate sealing members while maintaining effective sealing against foreign substances
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly housing is designed to perform multiple functions: sensing (via the sensor), structural support, and sealing. The sealing portion is formed as an integral part of the housing, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor components are exposed for detection functionality, then sensing capability is improved, but susceptibility to foreign substances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lip is positioned locally at the interface between the sensor assembly housing and the rotating element, providing targeted sealing protection exactly where foreign substance intrusion is most likely to occur, while leaving the sensor components exposed for their detection function
3Reliability
If multiple sealing members are installed to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the sensor assembly housing as a built-in sealing portion rather than requiring separate sealing members. This integration simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining effective sealing performance
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
The integrated sealing portion effectively prevents foreign substance intrusion, simplifies assembly, and allows for simultaneous detection of wheel speed and acceleration, enhancing operational reliability and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel speed sensing portion that detects a change in a magnetic field generated by a sensor target of a target ring that rotates together with the vehicle wheel and measures the rotation speed of the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel bearing includes a wheel hub provided with a wheel-mounting flange; an inner ring mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel hub; an outer ring provided with a vehicle body-side mounting flange; a plurality of rolling elements for rotatably supporting the wheel hub and the inner ring relative to the outer ring; an outboard-side sealing member that seals a space between the wheel hub and the outer ring; a target ring mounted on one side of the inner ring and rotating together with the inner ring; and a sensor assembly that detects information about operating state(s) of a vehicle. The sensor assembly may comprise a wheel speed sensing portion that detects a change in a magnetic field generated by a sensor target of a target ring that rotates together with the vehicle wheel and measures the rotation speed of the wheel.