Wheel Hub Form-Fit Torque Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel hubs face challenges in load capacity and torque absorption at the interface between the brake element and the wheel hub, leading to high demands on fastening means and potential instability during braking.

Innovation Solution

A wheel hub design that incorporates a form-fitting mechanism between the brake element and the wheel hub, providing a positive locking surface in the direction of rotation, which enhances torque absorption and reduces the need for multiple fastening elements by allowing the brake element to assume a fixed position, thereby improving load distribution and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If axial fixation by means of screws is used to connect brake disc to wheel hub, then the brake element is secured axially, but the load-bearing capacity and torque absorption at the interface are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface is segmented into multiple functional elements: the frictional connection surface for axial securing, and the positive locking element with receiving area for torque absorption. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in its function, improving overall load-bearing capacity while distributing the connection requirements across distinct structural features rather than relying solely on complex fastening devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism transitions from purely axial fixation (one dimension) to include rotational dimension locking. The positive locking element extends the connection functionality into the rotational dimension by providing a receiving area that engages with the brake element's protrusion, enabling torque absorption in addition to axial securing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the brake element, then axial fixation is achieved, but the number of fasteners increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of fasteners
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positive locking element merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated structural feature. It combines the axial positioning function (through its location on the brake element mounting surface) with the rotational locking function (through the receiving area), thereby reducing the need for multiple separate fastening elements while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The positive locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial positioning of the brake element, creates a form-fit connection for torque absorption, and reduces the number of required fasteners. This multi-functionality improves reliability while simplifying the overall fastening system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a positive locking element is added to improve torque absorption, then braking stability is improved, but the structural complexity of the wheel hub increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking stabilityVSAvoidwheel hub structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positive locking element is implemented as a localized feature on the brake element mounting surface rather than a comprehensive structural redesign. The receiving area is positioned specifically at the interface where the brake element contacts the wheel hub, concentrating the torque absorption functionality at the critical location without adding complexity to the entire wheel hub structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The positive locking element is pre-formed as an integral part of the wheel hub structure during manufacturing. The receiving area is created in advance on the brake element mounting surface, so that during assembly, the brake element's protrusion automatically engages with this pre-positioned receiving area, providing immediate torque absorption capability without requiring additional assembly steps or complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 form-fitting mechanism enhances torque transmission, reduces the number of fastening elements required, and provides a compact design while ensuring secure axial fixation, leading to improved load capacity and reduced vibration instability.

Implementation Method 1

the functionality of the fasteners is essentially limited to axially securing the brake element... in addition to the frictional connection at the interface between the wheel hub and the brake element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3655256B1Wheel hub and a system formed of wheel hub and brake element
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 SAF HOLLAND GMBH
  • EP3655256B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3655256B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3655256B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A wheel hub (1), in particular a wheel hub (1) for a utility vehicle, comprising - a brake element bearing face (25), against which a brake element (2) bears in an assembled state, and - a form-fit means (13), which in the assembled state, as viewed in the circumferential direction (U), interacts in a form-fitting manner with the brake element (2), and/or comprising a receiving region (14) for a form-fit means (13), which in the assembled state, as viewed in the circumferential direction (U), interacts in a form-fitting manner with the brake element (2).