Wheel Hub Disconnect Cap for Transportable Axle Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wheel hubs remain coupled to their propulsion sources during transport, increasing energy consumption or making movement impossible, necessitating a simplified and reliable method to decouple them.
Innovation Solution
A wheel hub disconnect system featuring a wheel hub disconnect cap with a circular head and shank, through holes, and threaded fasteners, allowing easy decoupling and recoupling of the wheel hub from the propulsion source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wheel hubs remain coupled to propulsion sources during transport, then vehicle structural integrity is maintained, but energy consumption increases and movement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub assembly is segmented into separable components: the wheel hub with gearbox can be disconnected from the propulsion source (electric motor). The disconnect cap enables this segmentation by providing a mechanical interface that can be engaged or disengaged, allowing the wheel hub to be separated from the drive train while maintaining structural integrity through proper reengagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between wheel hub and propulsion source is made dynamic rather than static. The disconnect cap allows the system to transition between coupled and decoupled states based on operational requirements. When transport is needed, the cap is removed to decouple; when propulsion is needed, the cap is reinstalled to couple, enabling adaptive configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheel hubs are decoupled from propulsion sources to facilitate transport, then vehicle transportability improves, but risk of losing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub components are nested within the disconnect cap assembly during storage and transport. The cap acts as a container that holds the wheel hub and its components in a organized manner, preventing loss or damage. The nested structure ensures that when the system is decoupled for transport, all components remain contained together rather than scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect cap serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the wheel hub and the propulsion source. During decoupling, the cap remains attached to one component while the other is removed, providing a controlled interface that prevents accidental loss of small components. The cap acts as a buffer and organizer during the transition between coupled and decoupled states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheel hubs are disconnected from propulsion sources, then transportability improves, but lubrication may be lost and gears may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect cap is designed to maintain the lubrication environment before actual disconnection occurs. The cap structure creates a sealed or semi-sealed environment that preserves lubrication within the gearbox during the decoupling process. By preparing the containment structure in advance, the system prevents lubrication loss that would otherwise occur during disconnection and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox and its lubrication system are nested within the disconnect cap assembly. This nested configuration allows the lubrication to remain contained within the gearbox housing even when the entire assembly is decoupled from the propulsion source. The nested structure provides physical protection and maintains the lubrication environment during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for selectively engaging a wheel hub to an axle or a shaft of a propulsion source are described. The wheel hub includes a wheel hub disconnect cap that may be rotated to release and engage the wheel hub to the axle. The wheel hub disconnect cap may also traverse in a longitudinal direction to engage and release the wheel hub from the axle or shaft.