U.S. patent application number 13/631655 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for isolation sleeve.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to TODD D. ALBERTSON.
Application Number | 20140093305 13/631655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50276468 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140093305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALBERTSON; TODD D. |
April 3, 2014 |
ISOLATION SLEEVE
Abstract
Vehicles and systems are provided. In accordance with one
embodiment, for example, a vehicle may include, but is not limited
to, an axle, a bearing coupled to the axle, a knuckle coupled to
the bearing, and an isolation sleeve coupled between the bearing
and the knuckle. In one embodiment, for example, the isolation
sleeve may be composed of solid zinc. In another embodiment, for
example, the isolation sleeve may include a zinc coating.
Inventors: |
ALBERTSON; TODD D.; (MACOMB
TOWNSHIP, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
50276468 |
Appl. No.: |
13/631655 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/179 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 35/077 20130101;
B62D 7/18 20130101; F16C 2326/02 20130101; Y10T 403/35
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
403/179 |
International
Class: |
F16D 1/02 20060101
F16D001/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle, comprising: an axle; a bearing coupled to the axle; a
knuckle coupled to the bearing; an isolation sleeve coupled between
the bearing and the knuckle having an inner surface configured to
contact the bearing and an outer surface configured to contact the
knuckle, wherein the isolation sleeve comprises at least two
substantially cylindrical inclusions between the inner surface and
the outer surface; and a fastener connecting the bearing to the
knuckle through each of the at least two substantially cylindrical
inclusions.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the isolation sleeve is composed
of solid zinc.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the isolation sleeve includes a
zinc coating.
4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the isolation sleeve is
substantially ring shaped.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a splash shield
coupled between the bearing and the knuckle.
9. A system, comprising: an axle; a bearing coupled to the axle; a
knuckle coupled to the bearing; an isolation sleeve coupled between
the bearing and the knuckle having an inner surface configured to
contact the bearing and an outer surface configured to contact the
knuckle, wherein the isolation sleeve comprises at least two
inclusions between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a
fastener connecting the bearing to the knuckle through each of the
at least two inclusions.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the isolation sleeve is composed
of solid zinc.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the isolation sleeve includes a
zinc coating.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the isolation sleeve is
substantially ring shaped.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The system of claim 9, further comprising a splash shield
coupled between the bearing and the knuckle.
17. A vehicle, comprising: a first automotive component comprising
steel; a second automotive component comprising aluminum; an
isolation sleeve coupled between the first automotive component and
the second automotive component having an inner surface configured
to contact the first automotive component and an outer surface
configured to contact the second automotive component, wherein the
isolation sleeve comprises at least two substantially cylindrical
inclusions between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a
fastener connecting the first automotive component to the second
automotive component through each of the at least two substantially
cylindrical inclusions.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the isolation sleeve is
composed of solid zinc.
19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the isolation sleeve is
comprises a zinc coating.
20. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicles, and more
particularly relates to isolation sleeves between automotive
components composed of different materials.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles are exposed to a variety of environmental factors
which can cause damage to the vehicle. Salt, for example, which is
placed on roads to melt snow and ice can increase the rate at which
rust forms on a vehicle. Furthermore, when automotive components of
two different materials are coupled together and exposed to salt or
other corrosive elements, the salt can cause components of two
different materials to react with each other, further increasing
the rate of corrosion at the interface between the two
components.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, for example, a vehicle is provided. The
vehicle may include, but is not limited to, an axle, a bearing
coupled to the axle, a knuckle coupled to the bearing, and an
isolation sleeve coupled between the bearing and the knuckle.
[0004] In one embodiment, for example, a system is provided. The
system may include, but is not limited to, an axle, a bearing
coupled to the axle, a knuckle coupled to the bearing, and an
isolation sleeve coupled between the bearing and the knuckle.
[0005] In yet another embodiment, for example, a vehicle is
provided. The vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a first
automotive component comprising steel, a second automotive
component comprising aluminum, and an isolation sleeve coupled
between the first automotive component and the second automotive
component.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is high level view of a vehicle 100 in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an area around an
exemplary wheel 120 in the vehicle 100, in accordance with an
embodiment; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view on an exemplary isolation
sleeve 240, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,
background, brief summary or the following detailed
description.
[0011] Modern vehicles are made of a variety of different
materials. Some components may be made, for example, of steel for
its superior strength. Other components may be made, for example,
of aluminum to save weight. However, when steel components and
aluminum components are in contact and are exposed to salt or other
corrosive elements, the salt can significantly increase the rate of
the formation of corrosion, such as rust, at the junction. The rust
can make the components difficult to separate when the vehicle
needs to be serviced, sometimes requiring both of the components to
be replaced even when only one of the components needs to be
serviced. Accordingly, as discussed in further detail below, an
isolation sleeve may be provided between the steel and aluminum
components to minimize the occurrence of rust.
[0012] FIG. 1 is high level view of a vehicle 100 in accordance
with an embodiment. The vehicle 100 may be any type of motorized or
non-motorized vehicle, including, but not limited to, automobiles,
motorcycles, aircraft, marine vehicles or the like. The vehicle
includes at least one axle 110 which allows at least one wheel 120
to rotate. In one embodiment, for example, the axle 110 may be a
drive shaft rotated by a motor 130. When the vehicle is a front
wheel drive car, the axle 110 may be a half shaft. Each of the
front wheels on the front wheel drive car may have its own half
shaft.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an area around an
exemplary wheel 120 in the vehicle 100, in accordance with an
embodiment. The vehicle 100 includes a knuckle 200 for each wheel
120 on the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, for example, the knuckle
200 couples at least one wheel 120 to a steering mechanism, such as
a steering wheel (not shown). The knuckle 200 is designed to keep
the wheel vertical while allowing the wheel to turn. Both of the
front wheels 120 and rear wheels of a vehicle may have a knuckle
200. The knuckle 200 is generally made out of aluminum to minimize
its weight while maintaining enough structural integrity to
withstand acceleration, breaking and turning forces generated
during operation of a vehicle. The knuckle 200 is generally shaped
to be attached to suspension components and includes a cylindrical
bore 205 through which the axle 110 extends.
[0014] The axle 110 is coupled to a bearing 210. The components of
the bearing 210 are generally made of steel. The bearing 210
includes a spindle 220, an outer ring 230 and a series of bearings
elements 240 arranged between the spindle 220 and the outer ring
230. The spindle 220 is coupled to the axle 110 and rotates with
the axle 110. In one embodiment, for example, the spindle 220 may
be fastened to the axle 110 via one or more bolts or screws. In
other embodiments, for example, a nut and thread may be used to
attach the components. The outer ring 230 is coupled to the knuckle
200. In one embodiment, for example, the outer ring 230 may be
fastened to the knuckle 200 via one or more bolts, screws, and or
nuts. The bearings elements 240 are arranged in channels or races
formed between the spindle 220 and outer ring 230 which allow the
spindle 220 and axle 110 to efficiently rotate. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, the bearing elements 240 are ball bearings,
but other types of bearing elements, such as roller bearings, may
be used.
[0015] During normal driving conditions, the bearing 210 and
knuckle 200 may be exposed to salt or another corrosive element.
Because the knuckle 200 is made from aluminum and the bearing 210
is made from steel, the salt can cause the metals at the junction
between the knuckle 200 and the bearing 210 to react, accelerating
the formation of corrosion which can essentially weld or fuse the
knuckle 200 to the bearing 210.
[0016] Accordingly, the vehicle 100 further includes an isolation
sleeve 240 positioned between the outer ring 230 of the bearing 210
and the knuckle 200. In one embodiment, for example, the isolation
sleeve 240 may be formed from solid zinc. In other embodiments, for
example, the isolation sleeve may have a zinc coating on top of
another base material, such as steel. In other embodiments, the
base material could be solid zinc, or any other suitable metal or
sufficiently rigid material. When steel and aluminum are coupled
together and exposed to a corrosive, the rate at which rust forms
at the junction is dramatically increased. The zinc isolation
sleeve 240 acts as a neutralizer or neutral barrier between the
knuckle 200 and the bearing 210, which reduces the amount of rust
that can form in the junction.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view on an exemplary isolation
sleeve 240, in accordance with an embodiment. In this embodiment,
for example, the isolation sleeve 240 is substantially ring shaped.
An outer surface 300 of the isolation sleeve 240 has a first
diameter and is configured to be coupled to the outer ring 230 (of
FIG. 2). An inner surface 310 of the isolation sleeve 240 has a
second diameter, less than the first diameter, and is configured to
be coupled to the knuckle 200 (of FIG. 2). The shape of the
isolation sleeve 240, however, can vary depending upon the shape of
the bearing 210 and the knuckle 200.
[0018] In one embodiment, for example, the isolation sleeve may
include one or more inclusions 320 through which a bolt or other
attachment mechanism can be used to attach the isolation sleeve 240
to the knuckle 200 and the bearing 210. In other embodiments, for
example, the isolation sleeve 240, knuckle 200, and the bearing 210
may be press fit. In one embodiment, for example, an inner surface
of at least one of the inclusions 320 may be threaded (not
illustrated). In another embodiment, for example, the inclusions
320 may have a substantially smooth inner surface.
[0019] One benefit of the isolation sleeve 240, for example, is
that the isolation sleeve reduces the amount of corrosion between
automotive components, such as a knuckle and a bearing. In some
instances, when the isolation sleeve is not present, a functional
knuckle may have to be replaced in order to service a worn bearing
because of rust which essentially has fused the two components
together. However, when the isolation sleeve is present, the amount
of rust that can form between components is reduced, allowing the
bearing to be serviced or replaced without having to replace the
knuckle.
[0020] Returning to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, for example, the
vehicle may further include at least one splash shield 250. In one
embodiment, for example, the splash shield 250 may be arranged
between the knuckle 200 and the outer ring 230 of the bearing 210.
The splash shield 250 is arranged to reduce the amount of salt and
other environmental elements which can enter the wheel region.
Accordingly, one benefit of the splash shield 250 is to reduce the
amount of salt that the junction of the knuckle 200 and bearing 210
is exposed too.
[0021] While the embodiments discussed above illustrate an
isolation sleeve positioned between a bearing and a knuckle, one or
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the isolation sleeve
could be placed between any two components made of any two
materials that could react when exposed to environmental factors
such as salt.
[0022] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be
understood that various changes can be made in the function and
arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the
disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *