Wheel End Assembly External Rotary Joint Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire pressure management systems face difficulties in installation due to complexity, spacing requirements, and increased costs, particularly because rotary joint assemblies often require venting mechanisms that can lead to costly repairs if pressurized air escapes through the bearing assembly.
Innovation Solution
A wheel end assembly with an external rotary joint and a venting mechanism, where the rotary joint has a bearing assembly positioned outboard of the air seal, allowing pressurized air to escape to atmosphere without damaging the bearing assembly, and an annular dirt excluder to prevent dirt entry and facilitate venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotary joint assembly with bearing is integrated on the axle for tire pressure management, then the system can provide tire pressure control functionality, but pressurized air can escape through the bearing assembly causing costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary joint assembly is separated from the axle integration. The rotary joint is mounted externally on the wheel hub rather than being integrated into the axle, dividing the system into independent modules. This segmentation allows the venting mechanism to protect the bearing without requiring complex axle integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A venting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressurized air system and the bearing assembly. This venting mechanism provides a controlled escape path for pressurized air, preventing it from damaging the bearing assembly while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If a venting mechanism is added to allow pressurized air to escape, then bearing assembly damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting mechanism is combined with the rotary joint assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The venting mechanism utilizes the existing rotary joint structure, merging multiple functions into a single assembly to minimize overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the rotary joint is mounted on the axle, then spacing requirements are met, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary joint is relocated from axial mounting on the axle to radial mounting on the wheel hub. This dimensional change in mounting location eliminates the need for precise axle spacing while simplifying installation, as the external hub mounting provides more accessible installation points.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel end assembly for a tire pressure management system including an axle having an axle end portion and a rotary joint assembly disposed outboard of the axle end portion. The rotary joint has a rotary hub, a non-rotating tube spindle at least partially disposed within the rotary hub, the tube spindle having a tube spindle hollow central chamber, an air seal provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle, and a bearing assembly provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle. The bearing assembly is positioned outboard of the air seal.