Wheel Support Device Charge Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel support devices for vehicles face issues with increased viscosity resistance and lubricant viscosity due to electrostatic charging, which requires external electrostatic eliminators for charge management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a self-discharge type air-ion-exchange charge eliminator that converts ambient air into negative ions to neutralize positive charges on the bearing and surrounding components, reducing the charge on the lubricant without the need for external electrostatic eliminators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing device with conductive grease is used to move electric charges, then charge transfer from grease to race members is improved, but charges cannot be transferred from race members to surrounding members and the grease becomes effectively charged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrostatic eliminator as an intermediary component that generates negative air ions to neutralize positive electric charges on the bearing and surrounding members. This mediator enables charge elimination without requiring direct charge transfer through the grease, thus preventing grease charging while maintaining charge management functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical charge transfer system (conductive grease) with an air-ion-based electrostatic elimination system. The electrostatic eliminator generates negative ions that attach to positive charges in the air and on charged surfaces, providing a non-contact charge neutralization method that avoids grease charging issues
2Reliability
If electrostatic eliminators are installed to eliminate charges on surrounding members, then charge neutralization is improved, but the device structure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrostatic eliminator functionality into existing vehicle components (such as the air conditioning system or ventilation system), allowing these components to serve dual purposes: their original function plus charge elimination. This reduces the need for separate dedicated electrostatic elimination devices, simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic eliminator is designed to operate autonomously using the vehicle's existing air circulation system. The negative ions generated by the eliminator are distributed through the air flow already present in the vehicle, eliminating the need for additional complex delivery mechanisms and reducing system complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If charges are eliminated from the bearing and surrounding members, then lubricant viscosity increase is prevented, but the structure requires special electrostatic elimination devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses negative air ions as an intermediary substance to neutralize positive charges on the bearing and surrounding members. These ions attach to charged surfaces and particles in the air, preventing charge accumulation that would otherwise increase lubricant viscosity, while avoiding the need for complex direct charge removal systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical charge parameter of the bearing and surrounding members by introducing negative ions that neutralize positive charges. This parameter change (from charged to neutral) prevents the viscosity increase of the lubricant without requiring complex mechanical or electrical charge removal mechanisms
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
Effectively reduces the charge on the lubricant, preventing increased viscosity and viscosity resistance in the bearing, while simplifying the structure and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex electrostatic elimination systems.
Implementation Method 1
The self-discharge type charge eliminator is an air-ion-exchange type self-discharge charge eliminator. The air-ion-exchange type self-discharge charge eliminator is configured to change air around the self-discharge type charge eliminator into negative air ions
Implementation Method 2
eliminate charge by causing the air ions to attract the positive charges of the particular member for neutralization, so as to reduce the quantity of charge of the particular member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wheel support device for a vehicle includes a bearing (16) that rotatably supports a wheel (12), and is lubricated by a lubricant, a bearing support member (18), and a self-discharge type charge eliminator (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D) provided on a surface of a particular member. The self-discharge type charge eliminator (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D) is configured to change air around the self-discharge type charge eliminator (110A, 110B, 110C, 110D) into negative air ions, and eliminate charge by causing the air ions to attract positive charges of the particular member for neutralization, so as to reduce the quantity of charge of the particular member, and thereby reduce the quantity of charge of the lubricant.