Wheel Bearing Sensor Cap Sealing Against Foreign Matter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel bearing assemblies allow foreign matter, such as muddy water, to ingress through gaps between the sensor fastening bolt and the sensor cap, leading to reduced bearing assembly lifetime and potential pulsar ring deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member, such as a rubber ball, is interposed between the counter surface of a reduced diameter hole and the deep end face of the insert nut, creating an interference fit that seals the gap and prevents foreign matter ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sensor is fastened to the sensor cap using a sensor fastening bolt threaded into an insert nut, then the sensor can be firmly locked to the sensor cap, but foreign matter such as muddy water may ingress through gaps between the threads and contact surfaces into the bearing assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member (O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the insert nut and sensor cap. This sealing member fills the gap between the threaded components and prevents foreign matter from entering the bearing assembly through the fastening structure, while maintaining the fastening strength of the original design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is made of a flexible elastic material that can deform to conform to the mating surfaces of the insert nut and sensor cap. This flexible seal effectively blocks the ingress of foreign matter through the gaps created by the threaded fastening structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor cap is made of synthetic resin to close the inboard open end of the bearing space, then the bearing space can be sealed, but gaps between the insert nut and sensor cap surfaces allow foreign matter ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary between the synthetic resin sensor cap and the insert nut, compensating for any surface irregularities or manufacturing tolerances. This seal prevents foreign matter from penetrating through the gaps between these components while preserving the ease of manufacturing the sensor cap from synthetic resin.
3Reliability
If the sensor support member is firmly fastened with a sensor fastening bolt, then the sensor can be firmly locked, but the fastening components create pathways for foreign matter ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is positioned adjacent to the insert nut to which the sensor fastening bolt is threaded. This intermediary seal blocks the pathway created by the fastening components, maintaining the reliable locking of the sensor while preventing foreign matter from using the fastening structure as an ingress route.
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 sealing member effectively seals the gaps between the insert nut, sensor fastening bolt, and sensor support member, preventing the ingress of foreign matter into the bearing assembly and enhancing the longevity of the wheel support bearing assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing member is interposed between a reduced diameter hole and an insert nut under an interference fit therebetween to seal
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a wheel support bearing assembly designed to avoid an ingress of foreign matter from an area, where a sensor is fitted, into the inside of the bearing assembly. The wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member (1) adapted to be secured to a vehicle body structure, an inner member (2) adapted to support a vehicle wheel, and circular rows of rolling elements (3) interposed between the outer and inner members (1,2). A sensor cap (13) is provided for closing an inboard end of the outer member (1) and has an insert nut (15) embedded therein. The sensor cap (13) is also provided with a reduced diameter hole (23), in which an elastic sealing member (25) is interposed under interference fit between it and a deep end face of the insert nut (15).