Vehicle Wheel Hub Inner Ring Caulking Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle wheel bearing apparatuses of second and third generations face issues with inner ring deformation during the caulking process, leading to increased bearing gaps, excessive hoop stress, and reduced durability due to the formation of large chamfer portions, which compromises the mechanical strength of the wheel hub.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus with a self-retaining structure where the inner rings are secured by a caulked portion formed by radially deforming the end portion of the wheel hub, featuring a composite radius at the corner portion between the shoulder and cylindrical portions, and an annular groove to reduce elastic deformation and hoop stress, with the chamfer portion of the inner side ring being smaller than that of the outer side ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the inner rings are secured by swing caulking of the wheel hub, then the inner rings are axially immovably secured, but the inner rings deform radially outwardly due to the caulking process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by forming a chamfer portion on the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring before the caulking process. This chamfer portion pre-compensates for the radial outward deformation that will occur during swing caulking, preventing excessive deformation and maintaining the structural integrity of the inner ring while still achieving axial immovability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large chamfer portions are formed on the inner rings, then the inner rings can accommodate deformation, but the mechanical strength of the wheel hub is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming chamfer portions only on the inner circumferential surfaces of the inner rings where deformation occurs during caulking, rather than modifying the entire wheel hub structure. This localized approach accommodates deformation at the specific location while preserving the overall mechanical strength of the wheel hub.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the inner ring of the inner side is made to abut the shoulder portion, then axial positioning is achieved, but the inner ring deforms and bearing gap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfer portion on the inner ring of the inner side pre-compensates for the radial outward deformation that occurs when the ring abuts the shoulder portion during caulking. This preliminary geometric feature ensures that even though the inner ring deforms slightly, the bearing gap remains within acceptable tolerances and manufacturing precision is maintained.
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 effectively suppresses inner ring deformation during caulking, enhances the durability of the wheel bearing apparatus, and increases the strength of the wheel hub by reducing stress at the corner portion, while maintaining manufacturing cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The caulked portion is formed by plastically deforming the end portion of the cylindrical portion radially outward
Implementation Method 2
A corner portion formed between the shoulder portion and the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub has a composite radius comprising a plurality of radii of curvatures
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus is formed as a unit and has a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange at one end. A cylindrical portion extends from the wheel mounting flange, via a shoulder portion. A wheel bearing, formed by a double row rolling bearing, is press fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The wheel bearing has an outer member formed with double row outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumferential surface. A pair of inner rings, formed with inner raceway surfaces, is arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. The rings are press fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub, via a predetermined interference. One ring abuts the shoulder portion. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the opposed inner and outer raceway surfaces, via cages. The inner rings are axially immovably secured by a caulked portion. The caulked portion is formed by plastically radially outwardly deforming the end portion of the cylindrical portion. The inner circumferential surfaces of one end of the inner rings are formed with predetermined chamfer portions. The chamfer portion of the inner ring of the inner side is smaller than the chamfer portion of the inner ring of the outer side.