Wheel Hub Locking Assembly to Prevent Accidental Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central locking systems for securing wheel rims to wheel hubs in vehicles are prone to accidental unscrewing due to high torque during acceleration or braking, leading to potential wheel loss, and current solutions are complex and difficult to manufacture or assemble.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a locking element featuring a cylindrical extension and movable securing means, including locking levers biased by a return spring, which engages with a hub abutment surface to prevent loosening, and a screw tool for releasing the locking position, ensuring secure attachment and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a central locking element is used to fasten the wheel rim, then the wheel changing speed is improved, but the reliability against accidental unscrewing deteriorates due to high torque during acceleration or braking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is designed to be movable between a locking position and a release position, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to operational conditions. The lever automatically engages with the abutment surface under braking torque to prevent unscrewing, while allowing easy release during wheel changes when actuated by the screw tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever's retaining surface is positioned to preemptively counteract the unscrewing force generated by braking torque. The lever engages with the abutment surface before accidental loosening can occur, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents the harmful effect of torque-induced unscrewing.
2Reliability
If existing solutions are implemented to prevent accidental unscrewing, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into functional components: the cylindrical extension with threaded section for attachment, the locking lever with retaining surface for securing, and the control surface for release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever automatically engages with the abutment surface through its own geometry and the applied torque, without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The lever's pivotal movement and retaining surface configuration enable it to self-secure the locking element against unscrewing forces.
3Reliability
If a locking lever with retaining surface is used, then the resistance to loosening is improved, but the ease of operation for wheel release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface on the locking lever acts as an intermediary that translates the rotational motion of the screw tool into axial movement of the locking lever. This intermediary mechanism allows the operator to easily release the locking lever by simply rotating the screw tool, converting a potentially complex release operation into a simple rotational motion.
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 solution provides a reliable and easy-to-implement locking system that prevents accidental unscrewing during vehicle operation, maintaining wheel security while simplifying the wheel-changing process.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one securing means is biased towards the locking position thanks to a return spring
Data Source
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AI summary
Locking assembly (16) for securing a wheel rim (12) to a wheel hub (14) of a vehicle, comprising a locking element (18) with a cylindrical extension (28) along the wheel hub main axis (A1), having a first threaded section (32) complementary to a hub second threaded section (34), wherein the locking element (18) has at least one securing means (42) which is movable between a locking position and a release position, said securing means (42) comprising a retaining surface (56) which axially faces a corresponding abutment surface (58) arranged on a hub central tubular portion (60), when the securing means (42) is in its locking position, in such a way that, in the locking position, loosening of the locking element (18) with respect to the wheel hub (14) is prevented by axial engagement of said retaining surface (56) with said abutment surface (58).