Wheel End Assembly Vent Passage Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel end assemblies lack an efficient venting mechanism for the inboard cavity, which can lead to complex and costly designs with self-venting seals, compromising the robustness and reliability of the seal interface.

Innovation Solution

The wheel end assembly incorporates a spindle with a vent passage that connects the inboard cavity to the spindle hole, allowing for venting while using a non-self-venting hub seal, simplifying the design and enhancing the seal interface robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a self-venting seal is used to vent the inboard cavity, then the venting function is achieved, but the seal complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidseal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The venting function is separated from the seal component. Instead of integrating venting capability into the hub seal (self-venting seal), the patent creates a dedicated vent passage through the spindle that independently handles the venting function, allowing the seal to focus solely on sealing without venting complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The venting function is extracted from the seal assembly and placed into a separate vent passage structure. The vent passage extends through the spindle from the inboard cavity to the external environment, removing the venting requirement from the seal design and enabling use of simpler, more reliable non-self-venting seals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a self-venting seal is used to vent the inboard cavity, then the venting function is achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The venting function is segmented into a separate vent passage feature of the spindle rather than being integrated into the expensive self-venting seal. This allows use of standard, lower-cost seal components while achieving the same venting function through a simpler spindle modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent passage is implemented as a simple drilled or milled feature in the spindle, replacing the need for expensive self-venting seal technology. This approach uses a low-cost structural modification instead of a high-cost specialized component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 facilitates effective venting of the inboard cavity, reducing complexity and cost while providing a more robust seal interface, improving the reliability of the wheel end assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the vent passage may fluidly connect the inboard cavity to the spindle hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The rotary seal assembly may fluidly connect the spindle air passage to the hub air passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11602952B2Wheel end assembly having a vent passage

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A wheel end assembly having a spindle, a hub, and a rotary seal assembly. The spindle defines a spindle air passage, a vent passage, and a spindle hole. The hub defines a hub air passage. The rotary seal assembly fluidly connects the spindle air passage to the hub air passage. The vent passage fluidly connects an inboard cavity to the spindle hole.