One-Piece Wheel Nut with Expansion Sleeve for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for large wheels in commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery are not suitable for reversible assembly, require complex assembly processes, and are prone to corrosion due to gaps between components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element comprising a nut with an internal thread and an expansion sleeve, combined in a one-piece design, featuring a rotatably secured pressure plate that absorbs axial forces and provides a secure, corrosion-resistant connection without the need for additional spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional elements like spacers or spacer sleeves are used to accommodate prestressing forces, then the required prestressing forces can be absorbed, but the assembly becomes complex and requires storage and assembly of several elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nut and expansion sleeve into a single integrated fastening element. The expansion sleeve is formed as one piece with the nut, eliminating the need for separate spacer elements while maintaining the ability to absorb prestressing forces through the integrated expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastening element performs multiple functions: the nut portion provides threading and fastening, while the expansion sleeve portion provides prestressing force absorption and accommodation. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple separate components
2Length of moving object
If additional elements like spacers or spacer sleeves are used to accommodate stretch length, then the required stretch length can be accommodated, but the assembly required by these elements is complex in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion sleeve is integrated as one piece with the nut, combining the stretch length accommodation function with the fastening function in a single element, eliminating the need for separate spacer components
3Length of moving object
If gaps exist between individual elements of the screw connection, then stretch length can be accommodated, but these gaps can become dirty and promote ingress of moisture and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the expansion sleeve as one piece with the nut, the invention eliminates gaps between separate elements. The continuous structure prevents dirt and moisture ingress while maintaining the necessary expansion capability
4Reliability
If wheel nuts have a turntable or pressure plate rotatably mounted on the wheel nut, then the fastening can be secured, but the assembly becomes more complex and may not be suitable for reversible assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate is integrated with the expansion sleeve through a flange connection, combining the security function with the prestressing function in an unified structure that remains suitable for reversible assembly
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 allows for easy handling and assembly, reduces the risk of corrosion, and effectively manages eccentric loads, providing a robust and long-lasting connection suitable for large wheels without the complexity of multi-part designs.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion sleeve which is axially connected to the nut, the expansion sleeve being designed without an internal thread and being formed in one piece with the nut
Implementation Method 2
a pressure plate which has a conical shape or a curved shape in an axial sectional plane parallel to an axis of the fastening element, with a cross section of the pressure plate expanding continuously or stepwise in an axial direction pointing away from the nut
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed is a fastening element (110) for screwing onto a screw thread, which element can be designed, in particular, as a wheel nut (112). The fastening element (110) comprises a nut (116) with an internal screw thread (124). The fastening element (110) also comprises an expansion sleeve (118) that axially adjoins the nut (116). The expansion sleeve (118) is devoid of an internal thread and is integral with the nut (116). The fastening element (110) also comprises a thrust plate (128). The thrust plate (128) is arranged on the side of the expansion sleeve (118) facing away from the nut (116) and is captively fastened to the expansion sleeve (118) in a rotatable manner.