Wheel Quenching Sequence for Residual Stress Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel quenching technologies do not effectively achieve a favorable residual stress distribution, leading to potential distortion and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for quenching a wheel component, where the quenching sequence prioritizes the spokes before the hub portion, resulting in greater tensile residual stresses in the outer rim flange compared to the inner rim flange, and compressive residual stresses in the spokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quenching methods are used with simultaneous cooling of all wheel regions, then the quenching process is simple and fast, but the residual stress distribution is unfavorable leading to distortion and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The quenching device segments the wheel into multiple cooling zones (hub region, spoke regions, rim regions) with independently controllable cooling units. Each zone can be cooled at different rates and times, enabling precise control over residual stress distribution throughout the wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The quenching process applies preliminary differential cooling to specific regions before final uniform cooling. The hub and spoke regions are cooled first to establish favorable residual stress patterns, followed by rim cooling, ensuring the wheel achieves optimal stress distribution before completion.
2Productivity
If rapid uniform quenching is applied to all wheel regions simultaneously, then the quenching time is short, but the resulting residual stresses cause wheel distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The quenching process uses periodic action by applying cooling in distinct phases: first cooling the hub and spoke regions, then cooling the rim regions. This staged approach allows each region to cool at optimal rates, preventing distortion while maintaining overall process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts cooling rates for different wheel regions based on their specific geometric and material characteristics. The control unit varies cooling intensity and timing for each zone, optimizing both speed and dimensional stability throughout the quenching process.
3Strength
If the hub region is cooled at the same rate as the rim regions, then the cooling process is uniform and simple, but the hub develops insufficient hardness due to its greater wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The quenching device applies local quality by providing the hub region with intensified and prolonged cooling compared to rim regions. The cooling units positioned near the hub deliver higher cooling rates to this thick-walled area, ensuring adequate hardness development while rim regions receive appropriate cooling for their thinner geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cooling parameters (rate, duration, intensity) based on the local geometry of different wheel regions. The hub region receives cooling parameters optimized for thick sections, while rim regions receive parameters suited for thin sections, achieving uniform hardness distribution throughout the wheel.
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 approach results in low distortion, high strength, and a long service life for the wheel, with a favorable residual stress distribution that enhances mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a method and apparatus for quenching a wheel component, where the quenching sequence prioritizes the spokes before the hub portion
Implementation Method 2
produce a favorable residual stress distribution is in the component
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a component in the form of a wheel comprising: a hub portion, a rim portion with an outer rim flange and an inner rim flange, a plurality of circumferentially distributed spokes extending between the hub portion and the rim portion, wherein the spokes and the hub portion are arranged offset with respect to a wheel center plane towards the outer rim flange and have an inner side facing the wheel center plane and an outer side directed away from the wheel center plane, wherein the outer rim flange has greater tensile residual stresses at least in a partial region than at least a partial region of the inner rim flange.