Wheel bearing temperature indicator
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A vehicle wheel assembly comprising:
- a non-rotating wheel component;
a wheel hub mounted for rotation relative to said non-rotating wheel component via at least one bearing; and
a temperature indicator mounted for rotation with said wheel hub adjacent to said bearing to generate a warning signal when the temperature of said bearing exceeds a predetermined limit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature indicator is mounted within a wheel hub to generate a warning signal when a wheel end component overheats. The temperature indicator comprises a thermal battery that is activated only when the wheel end component exceed a predetermined temperature. Once activated the battery powers an RF transmitter to generate a wireless warning signal that is transmitted to a remote receiver to display a warning.
40 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A vehicle wheel assembly comprising:
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a non-rotating wheel component;
a wheel hub mounted for rotation relative to said non-rotating wheel component via at least one bearing; and
a temperature indicator mounted for rotation with said wheel hub adjacent to said bearing to generate a warning signal when the temperature of said bearing exceeds a predetermined limit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A vehicle wheel end assembly comprising
a spindle; -
a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to said spindle on inner and outer bearings;
a temperature indicator mounted for rotation with said wheel hub adjacent to one of said bearings to generate a warning signal when a wheel component temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature; and
a receiver unit for receiving said warning signal and generating warning display. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for generating a warning to indicate overheated wheel end components comprising the of:
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(a) mounting a temperature indicator for rotation with a wheel hub adjacent to a bearing mounted in a vehicle wheel assembly;
(b) activating the temperature indicator only when wheel end component temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature; and
(c) generating a warning signal when the temperature indicator is activated. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification