DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See sections 10 & rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
AN ADVANCED DRIVE AXLE WITH FLOATING AXLE SUPPORT FOR HYDRAULIC ROUGH TERRAIN CRANES
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
BEML LIMITED IN BEML Soudha, No 23/1, 4th Main S.R. Nagar, Bengaluru- 560027, Karnataka, India.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of drive axle. The present invention in particular relates to an advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:
[002] Traditional axle configurations, such as semi-floating, full-floating, and three-quarter-floating designs, exhibit inherent limitations that affect their performance under heavy loads. In the semi-floating configuration, the axle shaft bears both the vehicle's weight and the drive torque, creating uneven load distribution and leading to stress concentrations at the shaft-hub interface. Over time, this dual function can cause bending, fatigue, and premature wear, especially under heavy or dynamic loading conditions. Full-floating axles, while isolating load-bearing and torque transmission duties, still concentrate stress at the wheel hub assembly, resulting in localized wear and potential failure under extreme loads. The three-quarter-floating configuration combines features of both semi- and full-floating designs but fails to fully resolve the issue of stress distribution. It only partially improves load sharing, leaving the axle shaft vulnerable to torsional and bending stresses, particularly in demanding applications.
[003] Reference may be made to the following:
[004] Publication No. CN1475430 relates to a lifting mechanism of foundry hoister is composed of a dual-driving system which is installed on the platform of carriage and consists of two motors, shaft coupling, floating axle, shaft coupling with braking disk, braking system and speed reducer with two input axles and two output axles, dual-winder unit, winder coupling and a group of two static pulleys. Its advantages are small size and high safety.
[005] Publication No. US2446586 relates to hydraulic cranes and while the invention is applicable to hydraulic cranes wherever installed, it is particularly adaptable to installation upon trucks, and therefore it has been so shown and will be so described. The primary object of the invention is to provide, at minimum cost, mechanism which may be effectively used to lift and to shift relatively heavy loads. As particularly embodied in the illustration of the present application, it is admirably adapted for loading and unloading a truck upon which it may be mounted.
[006] Publication No. US2021229965 relates to a hydraulic crane comprising: a rotatable column a crane boom system comprising two or more liftable and lowerable crane booms and an electronic control device which is configured to prevent an execution of crane boom movements that would make the lifting moment of the crane exceed the maximum allowed lifting moment of the crane, and to continuously establish position information as to the prevailing position of the load suspension point (P) of the crane boom system. When the lifting moment of the crane has reached a limit value at a given level below the maximum allowed lifting moment, the electronic control device is configured to prevent the execution of any combination of crane boom movements that would increase the horizontal distance between the load suspension point and said vertical axis of rotation and at the same time allow the execution of any combination of crane boom movements that keeps said horizontal distance unchanged or reduces said horizontal distance.
[007] Publication No. CN2079589 relates to a fixed mechanism of lifting floating bridge for vehicles, which is particularly suitable for automobiles, comprising a fixed support frame with two positioning threaded holes, which is tightly and fixedly connected with the frame, a fixed ring, and a positioning bolt arranged at th side arm of the fixed ring, wherein, the fixed ring is hinged with the fixed support frame through a pin. Compared with the existing hydraulic power system and pneumatic power system, the utility model has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, and low cost. The cost of the fixed mechanism of lifting floating bridge for vehicles is 5% of the cost of the hydraulic power system and the pneumatic power system.
[008] Publication No. DE341044 relates to a floating crane with two separate floating bodies which are connected to each other by a support and which can be rotated against each other. In the floating cranes of this type known to date, the connecting beam is rigidly connected to the two floating bodies, so that a vertical movement or tilting of one floating body also causes the other floating body to tilt. The consequence of this is that the floating bodies of the known cranes must have a very high deck height. This disadvantage is eliminated according to the present invention in that the support connecting the two floating bodies is connected to them by joints in such a way that a tilting or a vertical movement of one floating body has no influence on the position of the other floating body.
[009] Publication No. DE352591 relates to a floating crane, the boom of which is arranged on a bell-shaped rotating column suspended over a fixed support column and provided with movable weights forming the counterweight. The weights of these known floating cranes are arranged in such a way that they can be moved on the rotating column on both sides of the center of the support column is parallel to the boom in order to be able to regulate the required moment compensation by adjusting the weights.
[010] Patent No. US4938643 relates to a self-propelled rail transport vehicle for carrying a hydraulic crawler crane is provided. The transport vehicle is designed to normally travel along the rails of a track and allow crane operation either from the transport or from a ground off-loaded position. The crane may be delivered and loaded on and off the transport at any convenient ground rail location, and when taken off the transport, may be used to lift the transport from the tracks, so as to allow trains to pass unobstructed.
[011] Publication No. CN220286261 relates to an electromagnetic disc brake which comprises a first brake plate, a first brake disc, a first movable iron core, a static iron core, a second movable iron core, a second brake disc and a second brake plate. The first brake plate, the first movable iron core, the static iron core, the second movable iron core and the second brake plate are connected through mounting bolts; a plurality of first coil windings capable of adsorbing the first movable iron core and the second movable iron core are uniformly and annularly arranged on the static iron core at intervals in the circumferential direction of the static iron core; the first coil winding almost penetrates through the static iron core, compared with the prior art, under the condition that the thickness of the static iron core is reduced, the adsorption force of the first coil winding to the movable iron core can still be guaranteed, then the axial length of the whole brake is reduced under the conditions that the braking effect is guaranteed and the requirement of a heavy-grade system is met, and the service life of the brake is prolonged.
[012] Publication No. CN217152784 discloses a crane air crane brake disc which comprises a disc body, a ventilation hole layer is arranged in the disc body, a solid layer is arranged in the ventilation hole layer, a heat dissipation assembly is installed on the surface wall of the solid layer, and heat dissipation fins are perpendicular to a bottom piece.
[013] Publication No. JP2003004071 relates to easily separate each multiple brake when releasing the brake in a multiple disc brake device having multiple discs. Springs to are installed between each both sides of an inner disc and an outer disc which are movably engaged in the axial direction toward a carrier axle, and a ring-shaped static pressure groove and a through-hole a penetrating the static pressure groove are installed at the surfaces of the discs.
[014] Patent No. US2569445 relates to improved control. means for self-propelled machines in which a traction base is utilized to support a rotatable or swing body on which the operator is stationed. The invention involves novel provisions including instrumentalities operating though the supporting axis of the rotating or swing body whereby to enable actuation of certain steering braking and other means directly carried on the traction base from control means at the operator's station on the rotative body irrespective of the relative positions of the base and body.
[015] Publication No. CN203604436 discloses a cylindrical roller bearing for a crane. The cylindrical roller bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rollers, two sealing rings and two snap rings, wherein two inner ring raceways are arranged on the inner ring, the inner ring comprises two ring bodies which are the same and are formed by dividing the inner ring through external force, the two inner ring raceways are respectively positioned on the two ring bodies which are integrally connected side by side, the outer ring is sleeved outside the inner ring concentrically, two outer ring raceways corresponding to the two inner ring raceways are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, the plurality of rollers are evenly arranged between the inner ring raceways and the outer ring raceways and are all contacted with the inner ring raceways and the outer ring raceways, the sealing rings are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the rollers and are respectively fixed together with the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring, and the two snap rings are detachably clamped on two edges of the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring.
[016] Publication No. US2004164040 relates to a system for receiving and delivering into a base the radial loads imposed on a crane where the crane has a center post operably connected to the base with a generally cylindrical outer bearing surface and the crane rotates in at least a partial circle around the axis of the center post.
[017] Publication No. CN104847765 relates to a bearing shaft, a guide shaft, a pin shaft, a cantilever crane and an assembly method thereof and a crane. The bearing shaft has a cylindrical bearing shaft body and a releasable first locking mechanism is arranged on at least one end surface of the bearing shaft body. The guide shaft comprises a guide shaft body having a positive conical surface or a positive frustum surface; and a releasable second locking mechanism is arranged on the bottom surface of the guide shaft body.
[018] Publication No. CN103101846 relates to a changeable-prow self-propelled floating crane which structurally comprises a prow, a ship body, a fold line, a trunk line, a rotating shaft, a buckle fixing lug, buckle fixing holes and a buckle fixing shaft. The floating crane is characterized in that a floating crane ship in a normal state adopts a streamline design which is same as that of a common ship; the prow is separated from the ship body through the fold line and is separated by the trunk line to form three free independent floating bodies; two independent floating bodies of the prow are respectively connected with the ship body through the rotating shaft to form a whole body and can rotate around the rotating shaft serving as a circle center to expand outwards and the fold to form that the three floating bodies are transversely flush side by side; and the three floating bodies are locked by the buckle fixing lug, the buckle fixing holes and the buckle fixing shaft to form a complete and uniform novel floating crane floating body.
[019] Patent No. US6557947 relates to a three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.
[020] Publication No. USD683514 relates to a perspective view of a rough terrain crane showing this design.
[021] Publication No. CN102180412 discloses a rough-terrain wheeled crane of which all actions are driven in a full-hydraulic manner, and the rough-terrain wheeled crane can realize stepless speed change and has stable speed according to different work conditions, has the advantages of small impact, simple chassis arrangement, light complete vehicle weight, and is portable, safe and reliable in operation. The rough-terrain wheeled crane is provided with an electrohydraulic control system, a driving device and a steering device which are used for realizing fast switch among a plurality of driving modes and steering modes, thereby achieving small turning radius, fully exerting the power performances of an engine, improving the fuel oil economy and saving energy resources.
[022] Publication No. US2018036679 relates to a compact rough terrain crane in which an exhaust emission control device and an elevating step are laid out in a compact manner without impairing excellent small-radius turning performance is provided. The crane includes a lower carrier that has a front axle and a rear axle. The crane includes an exhaust emission control device that has a DOC which is connected to an exhaust pipe extending from a diesel engine and is supplied with exhaust, a DRT disposed downstream of the DOC, and an SCR disposed downstream of the DRT.
[023] Publication No. US3203711 relates to a floating axle attachment and more particularly to a floating axle attachment for load distribution suitable for use also as a four-to-six-wheel converter.
[024] Publication No. JP2016060477 relates to solve the problems of causing a floating-up phenomenon of a front wheel when climbing since a front-rear axle load balance is undesirable, and of causing an inner wheel difference between inside front-rear wheels when curving for fixing a rear wheel shaft, since the most part of gross weight of including a live load is shared by a rear wheel driving shaft, from the relationship between a strength limit and the wheel number, since this form is complicated in a structure of a front wheel steering shaft, though a tire type transport vehicle having a loading space is many in the form of arranging a steering mechanism on a front wheel shaft and a driving shaft on a rear wheel shaft.
[025] Traditional drive axle configurations for heavy-duty vehicles, including rough terrain cranes, typically employ full-floating, semi-floating, or three-quarter floating designs. These configurations rely on various support mechanisms to carry the weight of the vehicle and transmit torque to the wheels. However, these conventional designs often suffer from limitations such as: Stress Concentrations, these occur at the interface between the axle shaft and the hub, leading to potential fatigue failures. Limited Load-Carrying Capacity, The traditional designs may not be adequately robust to handle the heavy loads imposed by 40-ton GVW cranes. Inefficient Power Transmission Inefficient power transfer can lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption
[026] While these traditional designs have been widely used, they often fall short in meeting the demanding requirements of heavy-duty applications, particularly in terms of durability, efficiency, and reliability.
[027] In order to overcome above listed prior art, the present invention aims to provide an advanced drive axle with novel mixed/combined floating axle support system for mobile hydraulic rough terrain cranes. The innovative floating support mechanism effectively decouples load-carrying and torque transmission functions, redistributing stresses across the axle assembly. This ensures uniform load distribution and reduces stress concentrations, enhancing structural integrity and significantly extending the service life of the axle in high-stress environments.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[028] The principal object of the present invention is to provide an advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes.
[029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes offering superior performance, reliability, and durability.
[030] Yet aanother object of the present invention is to provide drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes combining benefits of the floating mechanism and integrated braking system.
[031] Still another object of the present invention is to provide drive axle with floating axle support which reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[032] The present invention relates to an advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes. This drive axle system specifically designed for 40-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) hydraulic rough terrain crane with an approach was implemented by introducing novel floating axle shaft support characteristics. This configuration optimally combines load-carrying capacity and drive torque transmission through an advanced design of the axle shaft and hub interface. The system is full floating, semi-floating, and three-quarter floating by employing a proprietary floating mechanism that enhances both structural integrity and load distribution, thereby reducing stress concentrations and wear. Furthermore, this floating mechanism supports the wet multiple-disc braking system by efficiently providing the necessary drive to the rotational brake discs, ensuring seamless integration of braking and drive functionalities. This synergy enhances braking performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency, particularly in demanding operational environments. The integration not only boosts overall crane performance but also ensures longer service life, improved efficiency, and reduced maintenance requirements.
[033] This is a durable and efficient drive axle tailored for 40-ton GVW hydraulic rough terrain cranes, a unique approach was implemented by introducing novel floating axle shaft support characteristics. This configuration optimally combines load-carrying capacity and drive torque transmission through an advanced design of the axle shaft and hub interface. The design diverges from traditional configurations (full floating, semi-floating, and three-quarter floating) by employing a proprietary floating mechanism that enhances both structural integrity and load distribution, thereby reducing stress concentrations and wear.
[034] Furthermore, this floating mechanism supports the wet multiple-disc braking system by efficiently providing the necessary drive to the rotational brake discs, ensuring seamless integration of braking and drive functionalities. This synergy enhances braking performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency, particularly in demanding operational environments.
[035] The floating mechanism is seamlessly integrated with the wet multiple-disc braking system, optimizing the transfer of drive torque to the brake discs. This integration enhances braking performance, particularly in demanding conditions, and improves overall system efficiency. The combined benefits of the floating mechanism and integrated braking system result in a drive axle system that offers superior performance, reliability, and durability. This solution is well-suited for demanding operational environments and can contribute to reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
[036] The features of this drive axle system include a proprietary floating mechanism that reduces stress concentrations and enhances load distribution by allowing axial movement of the axle shaft within the hub assembly. Additionally, the seamless integration of the braking system with the drive axle optimizes braking performance and improves overall system efficiency. These features offers superior performance, reliability, and durability.
[037] The present drive axle system has the potential to be integrated into various heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Some potential applications include, Hydraulic rough terrain cranes, forklifts, dump trucks, load haul dumper. heavy-duty tractors. The device is equipped with enhanced performance, reliability, and efficiency, this invention has the potential to disrupt the heavy-duty machinery industry and create new opportunities for innovation and growth.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[038] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[039] Figure 1 illustrates the power transmission pathway from the engine to the wheels.
[040] Figure 2 describes the mixed floating drive axle architecture system and its components.
[041] Figure 3 illustrates the detailed floating axle arrangement.
[042] Figure 4 illustrates the details of the wet multiple disc brake unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[043] The present invention provides an advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes. This drive axle system specifically designed for 40-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) hydraulic rough terrain crane with an approach was implemented by introducing novel floating axle shaft support characteristics. This configuration optimally combines load-carrying capacity and drive torque transmission through an advanced design of the axle shaft and hub interface. The system is full floating, semi-floating, and three-quarter floating by employing a proprietary floating mechanism that enhances both structural integrity and load distribution, thereby reducing stress concentrations and wear. Furthermore, this floating mechanism supports the wet multiple-disc braking system by efficiently providing the necessary drive to the rotational brake discs, ensuring seamless integration of braking and drive functionalities. This synergy enhances braking performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency, particularly in demanding operational environments. The integration not only boosts overall crane performance but also ensures longer service life, improved efficiency, and reduced maintenance requirements.
[044] The system includes power flows from the engine and transmission to the spiral bevel pinion (1). The pinion meshes with the bevel gear/crown (2), which transmits power to the spider gear within the differential case (11).The differential distributes power to the left and right drive bull gears (3).The drive bull gears mesh with the driven bull gears (4), which transmit power to the drive shaft (5).The drive shaft (5) connects to the wheel hub (6) and transmits power to the wheel rim (7) and tire (14).The axle shaft floating mechanism utilizes taper roller bearings (10) and a cylindrical roller bearing (9) supported by a fixed casing (11 and 12) and potentially a spacer (13) for optimal shaft rotation and load handling. The wheel hub (6) integrates an inner cylindrical roller bearing (8) for smooth rotation within the hub. The drive shaft is splined to the wheel hub (6) for secure power transfer.
[045] Figure 2 describes the mixed floating drive axle architecture system and its components. The spiral bevel pinion (1), receives power from the engine and transmission, transmitting rotational power to the bevel gear/crown. Bevel gear/crown (2), receives power from the pinion, splitting power for the left and right axles, and transmitting it to the spider gear within the differential case. Drive bull gear (3), receives power from the differential, transmitting it to the driven bull gear, connecting to the left and right axles through the differential. Driven bull gear (4), receives power from the drive bull gear, transmitting it to the drive shaft, meshing with the drive bull gear and connected to the drive shaft. Drive shaft (5), receives power from the driven bull gear, transmitting it to the wheel hub, and featuring unique features (details to be added based on the innovation). Wheel hub (6), houses the wheel bearings, connecting to the drive shaft and wheel rim, allowing the wheel to rotate freely while supporting the vehicle's weight. Wheel rim (7), supports the tire, providing a mounting surface for the wheel hub, forming the outer structure of the wheel. Inner cylindrical roller bearing (8), supports the drive shaft rotation within the wheel hub, allowing for smooth rotation while handling radial loads. Outer cylindrical roller bearing (9), provides additional support for the drive shaft within the fixed casing, reducing axial loads on the shaft. Taper roller bearing (10), supports the drive shaft rotation within the fixed casing with high axial load capacity, arranged back-to-back for increased axial load support. Differential case (11), houses the differential gears, allowing for independent rotation of left and right wheels, containing the spider gear, drive bull gears, and associated components. Fixed outer casing (12), provides a rigid housing for the axle shaft floating mechanism bearings, supporting the bearings and maintaining proper alignment. Spacer (13), (optional), maintains proper spacing between the cylindrical roller bearing and taper roller bearing, ensuring optimal bearing performance if necessary. Tire (14), provides traction for the vehicle, transmitting power from the drive shaft to the road surface.
[046] The constructional features of this powertrain system primarily revolve around the novel arrangement of the drive shaft and its supporting elements. A configuration of bearings, including a back-to-back taper roller bearing at one end and a combination of external and internal bearings in the middle, to efficiently transmit power and handle axial and radial loads. A specific shaft locking mechanism which allows the drive transfer and prevents wheel-off conditions integrated.
[047] A combined wheel hub and external gear arrangement that facilitates the integration of a wet multiple disc brake system, enhancing braking performance and compactness. By combining these innovative features, the powertrain system offers improved efficiency, durability, and performance.
[048] This is a durable and efficient drive axle tailored for 40-ton GVW hydraulic rough terrain cranes, a unique approach was implemented by introducing novel floating axle shaft support characteristics. This configuration optimally combines load-carrying capacity and drive torque transmission through an advanced design of the axle shaft and hub interface. The design diverges from traditional configurations (full floating, semi-floating, and three-quarter floating) by employing a proprietary floating mechanism that enhances both structural integrity and load distribution, thereby reducing stress concentrations and wear.
[049] Furthermore, this floating mechanism supports the wet multiple-disc braking system by efficiently providing the necessary drive to the rotational brake discs, ensuring seamless integration of braking and drive functionalities. This synergy enhances braking performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency, particularly in demanding operational environments.
[050] The floating mechanism is seamlessly integrated with the wet multiple-disc braking system, optimizing the transfer of drive torque to the brake discs. This integration enhances braking performance, particularly in demanding conditions, and improves overall system efficiency. The combined benefits of the floating mechanism and integrated braking system result in a drive axle system that offers superior performance, reliability, and durability. This solution is well-suited for demanding operational environments and can contribute to reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
[051] The features of this drive axle system include a proprietary floating mechanism that reduces stress concentrations and enhances load distribution by allowing axial movement of the axle shaft within the hub assembly. Additionally, the seamless integration of the braking system with the drive axle optimizes braking performance and improves overall system efficiency. These features offers superior performance, reliability, and durability.
[052] The present drive axle system has the potential to be integrated into various heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Some potential applications include, Hydraulic rough terrain cranes, forklifts, dump trucks, load haul dumper. heavy-duty tractors. The device is equipped with enhanced performance, reliability, and efficiency, this invention has the potential to disrupt the heavy-duty machinery industry and create new opportunities for innovation and growth.
[053] Figure 1 illustrates the power transmission pathway from the engine to the wheels. Engine power is initially transmitted to the transmission system, where variable gears facilitate adjustments in speed and torque based on shifting requirements. Subsequently, power is transmitted to the differential, which divides and distributes it to the left and right wheels through bull gear reduction.
[054] Thus, the drive shaft and its support system between the bull gear reduction and the wheel end is an approach to enhances power transmission efficiency and vehicle performance.
[055] The floating axle shaft support mechanism optimally combines load-carrying capacity and drive torque transmission. This mechanism enhances structural integrity and load distribution, reducing stress concentrations and wear.
[056] The floating mechanism supports the wet multiple-disc braking system by efficiently providing the necessary drive to the rotational brake discs. This integration ensures seamless braking and drive functionalities, enhancing braking performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency.
[057] The floating mechanism effectively decouples the load-carrying and torque transmission functions. This redistribution of stresses across the axle assembly ensures uniform load distribution and reduces stress concentrations, improving structural integrity and extending the service life of the axle.
[058] The system diverges from traditional configurations (full floating, semi-floating, and three-quarter floating) by employing a proprietary floating mechanism. This advanced design enhances both structural integrity and load distribution, reducing stress concentrations and wear. The drive shaft and its support system between the bull gear reduction and the wheel end enhance power transmission efficiency and vehicle performance.
[059] A configuration of bearings, including a back-to-back taper roller bearing at one end and a combination of external and internal bearings in the middle, efficiently transmits power and handles axial and radial loads. A specific shaft locking mechanism allows the drive transfer and prevents wheel-off conditions.
[060] A combined wheel hub and external gear arrangement facilitates the integration of a wet multiple-disc brake system, enhancing braking performance and compactness. Thus a drive axle system that offers superior performance, reliability, and durability, making it well-suited for demanding operational environments.
[061] The present invention introduces an advanced drive axle with mixed floating axle support, specifically designed for hydraulic rough terrain cranes. It addresses the limitations of semi-floating, full-floating, and three-quarter floating axle designs by integrating a novel floating axle support mechanism that enhances both load distribution and torque transmission.
1. Mixed floating axle support
o The invention decouples load-bearing and torque transmission, mitigating stress concentrations at the shaft-hub interface.
o This hybrid approach prevents bending and fatigue, improving overall axle longevity.
2. Optimized load distribution and stress reduction
o Traditional axle designs suffer from uneven load sharing, leading to premature wear.
o The proposed floating mechanism ensures uniform stress distribution, improving structural durability under high-load conditions.
3. Seamless integration with wet multiple-disc braking system
o Unlike conventional axle-brake configurations, the floating support system enhances braking efficiency.
o The braking system and drivetrain work in tandem, optimizing overall performance and reducing wear on critical components.
4. Enhanced power transmission and bearing arrangement
o A combination of spiral bevel pinion and drive bull gears improves torque transfer efficiency.
o The strategic placement of taper and cylindrical roller bearings ensures smooth rotation and minimal axial load impact.
5. Extended service life and reduced maintenance
o By eliminating stress hotspots, the axle design prolongs operational lifespan, reducing failure risks.
o The modular architecture simplifies maintenance and component replacement, minimizing downtime.
6. Adaptability across heavy-duty applications
o The floating axle system is scalable, making it suitable for dump trucks, forklifts, and heavy-duty tractors.
o Its versatile application potential positions it as an industry-wide solution for high-load machinery.
[062] The inventive provides a significant departure from conventional axle designs, providing superior load distribution, optimized torque transfer, and seamless braking integration. This novel floating axle system enhances durability, improves efficiency, and extends service life in demanding operational environments.
[063] Figure 3 illustrates the detailed floating axle arrangement. The driven bull gear (4) receives power from the drive bull gear (3) and delivers to the drive shaft (5). The driven bull gear is interconnected with the drive shaft (5) through the interconnection spline (4A). The drive shaft transmits power to the wheel hub (6), which is supported at one end by a back-to-back tapered roller bearing arrangement (10), and at the other end by an inner cylindrical roller bearing (8) via the wheel hub (6). The shaft is also supported mid-span by an outer cylindrical roller bearing (9). The rotating members of the wet multiple disc assembly (2A) are connected to the axle shaft (5). It reduces stress concentrations and ensures uniform load distribution and uses inner cylindrical roller bearing (8), outer cylindrical roller bearing (9) and taper roller bearing (10) for smooth rotation.
[064] Power transmission system efficiently delivers torque via spiral bevel pinion (1) to bevel gear/crown (2) and transmits power through the differential case (11), drive bull gear (3), and driven bull gear (4).
[065] Figure 4 illustrates the details of the wet multiple disc brake unit. The brake disc (18) is connected to the rotating member, while the plate (19) is connected to the fixed member. Applying force between them produces the braking action. The outer gear (21) is connected to the fixed case, and both the service cylinder (22) and the parking cylinder (16) are bolted to the outer gear (21).
[066] The inner bearing (9) acts as a support member for the outer gear (21) through the fixed case. In this bearing, the inner race rotates while the outer cup remains stationary. In contrast, in the case of the outer bearing (8), both the inner and outer races rotate.
[067] When the brake pedal is pressed, the service piston (23) moves towards the plate (19) and disc (18), creating the braking effect. For the parking brake, the parking piston (16) pushes the service piston (23), thereby pressing the plate (19) and disc (18) into contact to initiate braking. The retraction spring (17) acts as a return mechanism, restoring the service piston (23) and parking piston (16) to their original positions after brake application.
[068] This works in synchronization with floating axle support to improve braking performance and secures drive shaft (5) to hub assembly (wheel hub (6)). The system for 40-ton GVW cranes, supported by fixed outer casing (12) and spacer (13) for alignment. Uses wheel rim (7) and tire (14) for traction and ground interaction.
[069] Transmission flow engine ? spiral bevel pinion (1) ? bevel gear/crown (2) ? differential case (11) ? drive bull gear (3) ? driven bull gear (4) ? drive shaft (5) ? wheel hub (6) ? wheel rim (7) ? tire (14).
[070] Floating axle support utilizes cylindrical roller bearing (8) and taper roller bearing (10) and encased within fixed outer casing (12), stabilized using spacer (13).
[071] Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes comprises-
a) Spiral bevel pinion (1) which meshes with the bevel gear/crown (2), which transmits power to the spider gear within the differential case (11) wherein power flows from the engine and transmission to the spiral bevel pinion (1).
b) The differential distributes power to the left and right drive bull gears (3).
c) The drive bull gears mesh with the driven bull gears (4), which transmit power to the drive shaft (5) which connects to the wheel hub (6) and transmits power to the wheel rim (7) and tire (14).
d) The axle shaft floating mechanism utilizes taper roller bearings (10) and a cylindrical roller bearing (9) supported by a fixed casing (11 and 12) and potentially a spacer (13) for optimal shaft rotation and load handling.
e) The wheel hub (6) integrates an inner cylindrical roller bearing (8) for smooth rotation within the hub wherein drive shaft is splined to the wheel hub (6) for secure power transfer.
2. The advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mixed floating drive axle architecture system comprises-
a) Spiral bevel pinion (1), receives power from the engine and transmission, transmitting rotational power to the bevel gear/crown.
b) Bevel gear/crown (2), receives power from the pinion, splitting power for the left and right axles, and transmitting it to the spider gear within the differential case.
c) Drive bull gear (3), receives power from the differential, transmitting it to the driven bull gear, connecting to the left and right axles through the differential.
d) Driven bull gear (4), receives power from the drive bull gear, transmitting it to the drive shaft, meshing with the drive bull gear and connected to the drive shaft.
e) Drive shaft (5), receives power from the driven bull gear, transmitting it to the wheel hub, and featuring unique features
f) Wheel hub (6), houses the wheel bearings, connecting to the drive shaft and wheel rim, allowing the wheel to rotate freely while supporting the vehicle's weight.
g) Wheel rim (7), supports the tire, providing a mounting surface for the wheel hub, forming the outer structure of the wheel.
h) Inner cylindrical roller bearing (8), supports the drive shaft rotation within the wheel hub, allowing for smooth rotation while handling radial loads.
i) Outer cylindrical roller bearing (9), provides additional support for the drive shaft within the fixed casing, reducing axial loads on the shaft.
j) Taper roller bearing (10), supports the drive shaft rotation within the fixed casing with high axial load capacity, arranged back-to-back for increased axial load support.
k) Differential case (11), houses the differential gears, allowing for independent rotation of left and right wheels, containing the spider gear, drive bull gears, and associated components.
l) Fixed outer casing (12), provides a rigid housing for the axle shaft floating mechanism bearings, supporting the bearings and maintaining proper alignment.
m) Spacer (13), maintains proper spacing between the cylindrical roller bearing and taper roller bearing, ensuring optimal bearing performance if necessary.
n) Tire (14), provides traction for the vehicle, transmitting power from the drive shaft to the road surface.
3. The advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration of bearings, includes a back-to-back taper roller bearing at one end and a combination of external and internal bearings in the middle, to efficiently transmit power and handle axial and radial loads.
4. The advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the specific shaft locking mechanism which allows the drive transfer and prevents wheel-off conditions Integrated.
5. The advanced drive axle with floating axle support for hydraulic rough terrain cranes, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combined wheel hub and external gear arrangement that facilitates the integration of a wet multiple disc brake system, enhancing braking performance and compactness.