Tire inflation system and wheel sensor and method of use
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorsJames Beverly, Gerard McCann, Daryl Stacer, William Bleeke, John Kaste
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tire inflation system and wheel speed sensor system having a hollow shaft rotatable with a drive mechanism. The shaft extends into the hollow end of an axle. A angular velocity system rotates with the shaft within the hollow end of the axle. A sensor, mounted within the axle, senses the rotation of the angular velocity system. The hollow shaft is a conduit for air from an air source to at least one tire.
Claims24
A tire inflation system seal and speed sensor system, comprising:
- a non-rotating axle having at least one open end;
- a drive mechanism adjacent said open end of said axle;
- a shaft having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is connected to said drive mechanism for rotation therewith and said second portion is rotatably mounted on at least one bearing within said axle;
- an angular velocity system mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith;
- and
- a non-rotating sensor mounted within said axle adjacent said angular velocity system.
A tire inflation system seal and speed sensor system, comprising:
- a non-rotating axle having at least one open end;
- a drive mechanism adjacent said open end of said axle;
- a tube having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is connected to said drive mechanism for rotation therewith and said second portion is rotatably mounted on two bearings within said axle, wherein said second portion is connected to a source of air;
- a magnet mounted between said two bearings on said tube for rotation therewith within said axle;
- a non-rotating wheel speed sensor mounted within said axle adjacent said magnet;
- and
- at least one rotary seal mounted inboard from said bearings and said magnet.
A method for combining a tire inflation system with a wheel sensor, comprising:
- providing a rotatable drive mechanism adjacent a non-rotating axle of a vehicle;
- connecting a first portion of a tube to said rotatable drive mechanism and connecting a second portion of said tube to a source of air within said axle;
- providing at least one bearing within said axle to rotatingly support said tube within said axle;
- locating an angular velocity system on said tube for rotation therewith;
- and
- locating a non-rotating wheel speed sensor within said axle to sense the rotation of said angular velocity system on said tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.