Method for preloading a bearing

{
  "publication_number": "US9797441B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Method for preloading a bearing",
  "abstract": "A method for preloading a bearing includes releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle. A plurality of extensions extends from a frame and is moved axially toward a wheel hub assembly to apply the preload to the bearing in a distal direction past the attaching member toward the wheel hub assembly. The extensions are configured to contact at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly when the attaching member is directly attached to the threaded shaft. An automated adjustment mechanism is configured to move the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply a preload to the bearing within the wheel hub assembly.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for providing a preload to a bearing comprising: releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle to allow a frame coupled to the attaching member to move relative to the attaching member and in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein a proximal direction extends toward the frame from the attaching member, a distal direction being opposite from the proximal direction and extending toward the attaching member from the frame; a plurality of extensions extending from the frame in the distal direction past the attaching member towards a wheel hub assembly; the extensions being configured to contact at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly when the attaching member is directly attached to the threaded shaft; providing an automated adjustment mechanism configured to move the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply a preload to a bearing within the wheel hub assembly; and moving the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply the preload to the bearing.",
    "2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the extensions contacting the at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly.",
    "3. The method of claim 1 wherein the moving the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly comprises the automated adjustment mechanism moving the frame and the plurality of extensions to apply the preload to the bearing.",
    "4. The method of claim 1 wherein the moving the frame and the plurality of extensions axially toward the wheel hub assembly comprises a rotatable member of the automated adjustment mechanism rotating to cause the movement to the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly.",
    "5. The method of claim 1 wherein the moving the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly comprises an automated fluid supply device supplying pressure to the frame to move the frame towards the wheel hub assembly.",
    "6. The method of claim 1 wherein the automated adjustment mechanism automatically regulates the preload supplied to the bearing."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates, generally, to methods and apparatus for preloading antifriction bearings in drive trains, particularly, to preloading and adjusting bearings while monitoring the preload being applied.\n\nVarious means have been devised to simplify the adjustment of axle bearings, specifically, truck axle bearings. It is generally accepted that in some bearing installations, for example, axle bearings, the life of the bearing will be optimized if the adjustment is made for a slight axial compressive deflection, for example, about 0.003 inches (where this amount is the compressive deflection of the two bearings combined), which is often referred to as “a three thousandths preload.” Typical prior art methods of creating these preloads are obtained by applying specified torques to the bearing assembly, for example, by tightening the nut that retains the bearings. However, for several reasons, it is typically extremely difficult to achieve such preload settings under actual in-field conditions, as in a mechanic shop. For example, the assembly of a heavy truck wheel onto a wheel hub assembly is a relatively cumbersome procedure that hinders the mechanic. Moreover, the wheel hub assembly always includes at least one inner seal, usually a lip type of seal, which can impose a resistive drag torque component to the preload torque, particularly when the seal is new.\n\nOne of the popular means of adjusting bearing preload by means of an applied torque is described in the literature provided by the Stemco Company, of Longview, Tex.",
  "cpc": [
    "F16C 25/06",
    "B23P 19/06",
    "B23P 19/065",
    "B25B 27/062",
    "F16B 31/043",
    "F16B 39/12",
    "F16B 39/14",
    "F16B 39/28",
    "F16B 39/32",
    "F16C 19/364",
    "F16C 19/54",
    "F16C 19/548",
    "F16C 2229/00",
    "F16C 2326/02",
    "F16C 33/30",
    "F16C 43/04",
    "Y10T 29/497",
    "Y10T 29/53091",
    "Y10T 29/53104",
    "Y10T 29/5383"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B23P 19/06",
    "B25B 27/06",
    "F16B 31/04",
    "F16B 39/12",
    "F16B 39/28",
    "F16C 19/36",
    "F16C 25/06"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Temper Axle Prodcuts Corp"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "John E. Rode"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-02-24",
  "publication_date": "2017-10-24",
  "grant_date": "2017-10-24",
  "priority_date": "2005-01-05",
  "application_number": "US-201715441520-A",
  "family_id": "38479003",
  "cited_by_count": 22,
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}