Spindle mounting for aluminum wheel carrier
US6641229B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/4966
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spindle to aluminum wheel carrier mounting is provided having increased contact area for reducing stress in the aluminum. The wheel assembly comprises a spindle, a wheel carrier, and a fastener. The spindle is comprised of ferrous material and includes a shank portion, a boss portion, and a fastening portion. The boss portion has a monotonically changing diameter along its longitudinal axis. The wheel carrier is adapted to be supported by a suspension system of the vehicle and has a wheel-facing side. The wheel carrier is comprised of aluminum and has a spindle-receiving aperture therethrough. The aperture has a variable diameter along its length to form a boss-receiving socket. The boss-receiving socket has a monotonically changing diameter substantially matching the boss portion. A fastener is joined to the fastening portion and draws the boss portion against the boss-receiving socket. Consequently, stresses in the aluminum wheel carrier are distributed over the boss-receiving socket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.