Wheel Hub Assembly Dual Rolling Element Rows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wheel hub assemblies with dual rows of rolling elements face challenges in reducing energy consumption and pollutant emissions while maintaining high mechanical reliability and performance under combined radial and axial loads.

Innovation Solution

The wheel hub assembly features axially staggered inner and outer raceways with distinct osculation ratios for each row of rolling elements, optimizing the angle of contact and load line alignment to reduce friction and energy dissipation by varying the radius of curvature and diameter of the raceways and rolling elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the wheel hub assembly uses dual rows of rolling elements with conventional identical osculation ratios, then it can support combined loads effectively, but it results in higher friction and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmechanical reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different osculation ratios to different rows of rolling elements. Specifically, the first row has a first osculation ratio while the second row has a second osculation ratio, allowing each row to be optimized for its specific loading conditions and position within the bearing assembly, thereby reducing overall friction while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of osculation ratio between different rolling element rows. By varying this parameter (making the osculation ratios different), the patent optimizes the contact characteristics and load distribution, leading to reduced friction and energy consumption while preserving the bearing's ability to support combined loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the wheel hub assembly uses dual rows of rolling elements with identical osculation ratios, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but it generates higher pollutant emissions due to increased energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpollutant emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameter (osulation ratio) of the raceways for different rolling element rows. This parameter change reduces friction and energy consumption during operation, which directly lowers pollutant emissions from the vehicle, while the manufacturing complexity increase is minimal and justified by the environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the wheel hub assembly uses raceways with optimized osculation ratios for each row, then friction and energy consumption are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidraceway curvature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by optimizing each raceway's osculation ratio according to its specific function and position. The first inner raceway, first outer raceway, second inner raceway, and second outer raceway each have tailored osculation ratios that match their local loading and motion characteristics, reducing the need for extreme manufacturing precision across all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design effectively reduces friction, energy consumption, and pollutant emissions by optimizing the osculation ratios, enhancing the mechanical characteristics and reliability of the wheel hub assembly.

Implementation Method 1

two rows C1, C2 of rolling elements 13 disposed between the rings 11, 12... the osculation ratios of a first row of rolling elements of the two rows of rolling elements are different from the osculation ratios of a second row of rolling elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8714828B2Wheel hub assembly with dual rows of rolling elements

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A wheel hub assembly with two rows of rolling elements has a central axis of rotation and inner raceway and outer raceways for each row of elements, the associated inner and outer raceways being axially displaced in accordance with a respective angle of contact and along a respective load line such that the assembly is capable of accommodating combined loading. The raceways of each row of rolling elements have osculation ratios which are defined by the ratio between the radius of curvature of the raceways and the outside diameters of the rolling elements of the associated row of rolling elements. The osculation ratios of a first one of the two rows of the rolling elements are different than the osculation ratios of a second one of the two rows of the rolling elements.