Claims:We Claim:
1. A method of monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub (1) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (2), a signal corresponding to condition of a lubricant in the wheel hub (1) from one or more sensors (3);
comparing, by the control unit (2), the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1) corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant; and
actuating, by the control unit (2), a cooling apparatus (4) to impinge a predetermined quantity of coolant onto the wheel hub (1) based on the comparison, wherein the coolant is adapted to freeze the lubricant.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising generating, by the control unit (2), an alert signal corresponding to service life of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1), upon determining a predetermined number of coolant impingement cycles from the cooling apparatus (4).

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, comprising indicating, by the control unit (2), the service life of the lubricant on a display device associated with the vehicle, based on the alert signal.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein condition of the lubricant is determined by the one or more sensors (3) based on at least one of flow rate and viscosity of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1).

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (3) are configured to sense at least one of flow rate, density, viscosity, temperature and pressure of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1) and the control unit (2) is configured to determine characteristics of the lubricant based on change in flow rate of the lubricant.

6. A system (100) for monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub (1) of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
one or more sensors (3), positioned in the wheel hub (1) of the vehicle, configured to monitor condition of a lubricant in the wheel hub (1);
a cooling apparatus (4), positioned proximal to and in fluid communication with the wheel hub (1), the cooling apparatus (4) includes a coolant; and
a control unit (2), interfaced with the one or more sensors (3) and the cooling apparatus (4), the control unit (2) is configured to:
receive, a signal corresponding to the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1) from the one or more sensors (3);
compare, the condition of the lubricant corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant; and
actuate, the cooling apparatus (4) to impinge the coolant in the wheel hub (1) to freeze the lubricant.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to a service life of the lubricant, upon determining a predetermined number of coolant impingement cycles from the cooling apparatus (4).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more sensors (3) are configured to sense at least one of flow rate, density, viscosity, temperature and pressure of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1) and the control unit (2) is configured to determine characteristics of the lubricant based on change in flow rate of the lubricant.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprises a display unit, interfaced with the control unit (2), wherein the control unit (2) is configured to indicate a service life of the lubricant, based on the alert signal on the display unit.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more sensors (3) includes at least one of a flow rate sensor (3), a viscosity sensor (3), a density sensor (3), a temperature sensor (3) and a pressure sensor (3).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cooling apparatus (4) is pre-pressurized to selectively impinge the coolant onto the wheel hub (1), based on actuation by the control unit (2).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cooling apparatus (4) includes a nozzle (5) positioned in the wheel hub (1), wherein the nozzle (5) is configured to direct the coolant from the cooling apparatus (4) to the wheel hub (1).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coolant is at least one of liquid nitrogen, ammonia, Chlorofluorocarbons, and water.

14. A wheel hub (1) of a vehicle comprising a system (100) for controlling lubrication concentration as claimed in claim 6. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a wheel hub of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of monitoring concentration of a lubricant in the wheel hub of vehicle and a system thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Vehicles are equipped with service brake for safe and easy maneuvering of the vehicles in different conditions. Brakes are equipped with each of the wheel assemblies of the vehicle, such that the braking force corresponding to input provided by the operator may be applied to each wheel to slow down the vehicle or bring the vehicle to halt. The brake assembly may be positioned about a circumferential portion of a wheel hub in the wheel assembly, where components of the brake assembly including, but not limited to, rotor discs, drum plates or discs, and the like may be disposed about the corresponding wheel hub. Such components of the brake assembly are configured to frictionally engage the brake pads with brake disc to apply braking force on the corresponding wheel hub thereby, retarding speed of the vehicle.

Generally, components of the brake assemblies involved in application of braking force may be subjected to heat due to frictional engagement of different components. The components may be provisioned with ventilations and heat dissipation means to dissipate the heat generated in during frictional engagement. Additionally, the components of the braking assemblies may also be coated with suitable lubricants, to reduce frictional losses on engagement. However, during prolonged run of the vehicle and repeated application of braking forces, the lubricant coated on and/or between the components of the braking assembly may change phase [that is, the lubricant may melt] due to intensity of heat generated during frictional engagement. For example, hub bearings in the wheel hub may be lubricated by a semi-solid lubricants such as, but not limited to, grease for smooth operation. The semi-solid lubricant may melt due to heat generated at the wheel hub juncture during application of the braking force. The melting of the semi-solid lubricant in-turn may cause damages to the components of the braking assembly or may further lead to thermal incidence such as, combustion of brake liners in the wheel hub. Such situation may be even severe in the commercial vehicles, where the vehicles are run continuously for long duration carrying heavy loads and operating in varying terrain conditions. The commercial vehicles are subjected for frequent maintenance checks to examine the level of grease or lubricant to avoid any catastrophic failures. If such maintenance is not performed, the grease from the wheel hub may melt, and leak towards the service brakes which would hamper the performance of the same. Also, in some occasions there may be possible fire if the lubricant continues to heat under operating conditions of the vehicle.

Conventionally, efforts have been made to curb thermal incidence due to such phase change of the lubricants, by providing sealing members at the hub bearing regions thereby, preventing flow of melted lubricants towards the brake liners in the wheel hub. Also, with advent of technology, sensors have been positioned in wheel hub, where the sensors have been configured to detect and indicate whenever the lubricant tends to change phase, during operation of the vehicle and/or application of braking force. However, such conventional techniques do not fully cure the problems explained above.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method of monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub of a vehicle is disclosed, The method includes the steps of receiving a signal corresponding to condition of a lubricant in the wheel hub, by a control unit, from one or more sensors. The control unit is further configured to compare the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. The control unit is also configured to actuate a cooling apparatus to impinge a predetermined quantity of coolant onto the wheel hub based on the comparison, where the coolant is adapted to freeze the lubricant.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes step of generating, by the control unit, an alert signal corresponding to service life of the lubricant in the wheel hub, upon determining a predetermined number of coolant impingement cycles from the cooling apparatus. Further, the control unit is configured to indicate the service life of the lubricant on a display device associated with the vehicle, based on the alert signal.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, condition of the lubricant is determined by the one or more sensors based on at least one of flow rate and viscosity of the lubricant in the wheel hub.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors are configured to sense at least one of flow rate, density, viscosity, temperature and pressure of the lubricant in the wheel hub. The control unit is configured to determine characteristics of the lubricant based on change in flow rate of the lubricant.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes one or more sensors, positioned in the wheel hub of the vehicle, configured to monitor condition of a lubricant in the wheel hub. Further, a cooling apparatus is positioned proximal to and in fluid communication with the wheel hub, the cooling apparatus includes a coolant. The system also includes a control unit, which is interfaced with the one or more sensors and the cooling apparatus. The control unit is configured to receive a signal corresponding to the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub from the one or more sensors. The control unit is further configured to compare the condition of the lubricant corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. The control unit is also configured to actuate the cooling apparatus to impinge the coolant in the wheel hub to freeze the lubricant.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1a is a block diagram illustrating a system for monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1b illustrates a schematic layout of the system of Figure 1a.

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating sequential method of monitoring concentration of lubricant in the system of Figure 1.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system and method for monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub of a vehicle. Here, the term “concentration” refers to density of the lubricant and/or a quantity of the lubricant contained and/or supplied at the wheel hub for operation. The concentration of the lubricant may vary based on various parameters including, but not limited to, temperature and pressure, at which bearings in the wheel hub, and in-turn, wheels of the vehicle may be operated. Accordingly, to monitor the concentration of a lubricant the system includes one or more sensors, positioned in the wheel hub of the vehicle. The one or more sensors are configured to continuously monitor condition of a lubricant in the wheel hub. Further, a cooling apparatus is positioned proximal to and in fluid communication with the wheel hub, the cooling apparatus includes a coolant. The system also includes a control unit, which is interfaced with the one or more sensors and the cooling apparatus. The control unit is configured to receive a signal corresponding to the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub from the one or more sensors. The control unit is further configured to compare the condition of the lubricant corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. The control unit is also configured to actuate the cooling apparatus to impinge the coolant in the wheel hub to freeze the lubricant. Here, the term “concentration” refers to density of the lubricant and/or a quantity of the lubricant contained and/or supplied at the wheel hub for operation. The concentration of the lubricant may vary based on various parameters including, but not limited to, temperature and pressure, at which bearings in the wheel hub, and in-turn, wheels of the vehicle may be operated.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and the method as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger car, heavy vehicles, light duty vehicles or any other vehicle.

Figures 1a and 1b are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a system (100) for monitoring concentration of a lubricant in a wheel hub (1) of a vehicle [not shown in figures]. The system (100) includes a control unit (2), one or more sensors (3), a cooling apparatus (4), a nozzle (5), a control valve (6) and a display device (7).

The system (100) may be incorporated in each axel (1a) of the vehicle, wheels [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle may be mounted. One end of the axel may be adapted to receive torque [or power] from a differential [not shown in figures] to impart rotational motion to the wheels of the vehicle, while other end of the axel (1a) may be configured to accommodate the wheel hub (1). A lubricant including predefined characteristics may be contained and/or supplied to the axel from the other end and may be concealed by a sealing cap (1b). The sealing cap (1b) may be configured to restrict flow of the lubricant from the axel so that, the lubricant within the axel (1a) may regulate frictional engagement of the axel (1a) with various other components of the wheel hub (1) that may in-turn generate heat during operation, upon movement of the vehicle. Additionally, the lubricant may also be provided between other components of the wheel hub (1) including, but not limited to, bearings, washers, circlips, and the like. Such components may be involved in assembly of the wheel hub (1), and in-turn wheel, of the vehicle and may be subjected to frictional movement during operation. Additionally, the wheel hub (1) may include fastening members (1c) for fastening the wheel hub (1) suitably in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the system (100) includes the one or more sensors (3), that may be disposable about the wheel hub (1), either interior or exterior of the axel (1a) of the wheel. The one or more sensors (3) may be configured to detect change in condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1), where the condition of the lubricant may be at least one of physical condition or chemical condition. In the illustrative embodiment, one sensor of the one or more sensors (3) may be disposed within the axel and may be positioned proximal to the wheel hub (1) of the vehicle. The sensor of the one or more sensors (3) may be configured to monitor condition of the lubricant, where the sensor may be configured to detect change in physical condition of the lubricant. In an embodiment, the physical conditions of the lubricant that may be monitored by the sensor of the one or more sensors (3) may include change in phase of the lubricant, change in color of the lubricant, and the like. The change in phase of the lubricant may occur due to prolonged operation of the wheel of the vehicles and/or concurrent application of brake force on the wheel hub (1). In such a circumstance, the wheel hub (1) may generate heat that may cause variation in characteristics of the lubricant provisioned therein. The sensor of the one or more sensors (3) may be configured to monitor and detect melting of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1), due to such heat generated during operation of the wheel hub (1). That is, the sensor of the one or more sensors (3) may be configured to monitor and detect change in at least one of flow rate, viscosity, density, and the like, of the lubricant, based on variation in factors including, but not limited to, variation in temperature and pressure within the wheel hub (1). Additionally, the one or more sensors (3) may be configured to generate a signal, based on the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1). This way, the one or more sensors (3) may be configured to monitor concentration of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1).

Further, the system (100) may include a control unit (2), communicatively interfaced with the one or more sensors (3) in the wheel hub (1). The control unit (2) may be configured to receive the signals from the one or more sensors (3) about the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1). The control unit (2) may be configured to compare the condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1) corresponding to the signal with one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant may include, but may not be limited to, flow rate, viscosity, density and the like of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1). Also, such predetermined characteristics of the lubricant may be referred to corresponding temperature and/or pressure within the wheel hub (1), for operation conditions of the wheel hub (1) during movement of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined characteristics of the lubricant may be stored in a memory unit [not shown] which is associated with the control unit (2). For example, the characteristics including, but not limited to, viscosity, density, flowability, and the like, of the lubricant at operating condition of the wheel hub (1) may be compared with the characteristic of the lubricant during supply and/or installation of the wheel hub (1). Additionally, the control unit (2) may also be configured to compare the characteristics of the lubricant at ambient temperature and pressure [at about 20°C to about 25°C, in 1 atmospheric pressure] with the corresponding characteristics of the lubricant at operating temperature and pressure, to determine change in condition and/or phase of the lubricant.

The control unit (2) may be operatively coupled to the cooling apparatus (4), for regulating characteristics of the lubricant. The cooling apparatus (4) may be a pressurized cylinder containing a coolant, where the cooling apparatus (4) may be suitably accommodated and fluidly connected to the wheel hub (1) in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cooling apparatus (4) may include the nozzle (5) that may be configured supply and/or direct the coolant contained in the cooling apparatus (4) to the wheel hub (1). Further, the cooling apparatus (4) may include the control valve (6), interfaced with the control unit (2). The control valve (6) may be electronically operable based on operative signals from the control unit (2). The control valve (6) may be configured to selectively allow a predetermined quantity of the coolant to be supplied from the cooling apparatus (4). The coolant supplied from the cooling apparatus (4) may be impinged by the nozzle (5) onto the wheel hub (1) whereby, the coolant may be configured to coagulate or freeze at least a portion of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1). In the illustrative embodiment, the coolant impinged through the nozzle (5) may be configured to freeze the lubricant in order to enhance at least one of viscosity or density of the lubricant. Due to such freezing and increased viscosity or density, the lubricant may be restricted from changing phase [or melting] from the axel or the wheel hub (1) of the vehicle. This way, the lubricant may be protected from thermal incidences in the wheel hub (1) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cooling apparatus (4) may be including, but not limited to, a nitrogen-filled-in-canister, that may be accommodated in the vehicle. Additionally, the nitrogen-filled-in-canister may be replaced by fluidly connecting the wheel hub (1) with an evaporator device [not shown in figures] of a refrigeration unit associated with the vehicle. Refrigerant of the refrigerant device may be configured to provide similar technical effect as that of the coolant in the cooling apparatus (4).

In an embodiment, the control valve (6) may be configured to either be exhaustively [or continuously] open to allow supply of the coolant or may be configured to dispose the coolant in discrete quantity [or in number of cycles], based on operative signal received from the control unit (2). The control unit (2) may be further configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to period of changing of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1), upon determining a predetermined number of coolant impingement cycles from the cooling apparatus (4). That is, the control unit (2) may be configured to measure the quantity of the coolant in the cooling apparatus (4), upon impinging the predetermined quantity of the coolant onto the wheel hub (1). This way, the control unit (2) may be configured to determine the extent up-to which the coolant may be impinged on the lubricant and avoid unnecessary or unscheduled servicing of the wheel hub (1) for changing the lubricant [also referred to as “service life of the lubricant”]. Additionally, the control unit (2) may be interfaced with the display device [represented by numeral 7 in Figure 1] associated with the vehicle, to indicate the service life of the lubricant, based on the alert signal. The display device may be an audio-visual device provisioned in the vehicle or may be a wireless device including, but not limited to, pager, mobile phone, and the like, associated with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the coolant is at least one of liquid nitrogen, ammonia, Chlorofluorocarbons, water and the like. Further, the lubricant may be at least one of mineral oil or a synthetic oil.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (3) may be include at least one of density sensor, viscosity sensor, flow rate sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and the like.

In an embodiment, the control unit (2) may be a centralised control unit (2) of the vehicle or may be a dedicated control unit (2) to the system (100) associated with the centralised control unit (2) of the vehicle. The control unit (2) also be associated with other control units including, but not limited to, Transmission control unit (2), brake control unit (2), steering control unit (2) and the like. The control unit (2) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, other line of processors, and the like.

Referring now to Figure 2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method for monitoring concentration of the lubricant in the wheel hub of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the method may be implemented in any vehicle including, but not limited to, passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, mobility vehicles, and the like.

The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (2). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 201, the control unit (2), receives the signal, provided by the one or more sensors (3). The one or more sensors (3) may be positioned in the wheel hub (1) are configured to detect characteristics of the lubricant, based on condition or change in phase of the lubricant, that may arise due to frictional engagement of components in the wheel hub (1) of the vehicle. The one or more sensors (3) transmit the signal corresponding to the condition of the lubricant to the control unit (2).

At block 202, the control unit (2), upon receipt of the signal from the one or more sensors (3), is configured to compare the condition of the lubricant corresponding to the predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. Based on comparison, the control unit (2) is configured to determine deviation in characteristics of the lubricant from that of the predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. On determining the deviation in condition of the lubricant, the control unit (2) may determine further action to altering or modifying the condition of the lubricant, in order to regulate heat that may be generated due to frictional engagement of the components in the wheel hub (1). For example, deviation in the condition of the lubricant may be change in phase of the lubricant from a semi-solid state to a liquid state, and such a state will be determined as a unsafe condition by the control unit (2), based on the comparison with predetermined characteristics of the coolant.

At block 203, the control unit (2), for altering or modifying the characteristics of the lubricant, actuates the cooling apparatus (4) so that, temperature of the lubricant may be controlled in order to improve and/or regulate characteristics of the lubricant. The cooling apparatus (4) is configured to impinge the coolant on the wheel hub (1). In an embodiment, the coolant may be impinged either directly on the lubricant or may be impinged on walls [not indicated in Figures] of the wheel hub so that, the coolant may reduce the temperature of the lubricant thereby refreezing the lubricant from liquid state to semi-solid state, improving the characteristics of the lubricant. Also, the coolant may be selected such that, no or minimal chemical reaction occurs between the coolant and the lubricant, within the wheel hub.

At block 204, the control unit (2) is configured to continuously receive the signals from the one or more sensors (2) in order to monitor the condition of the lubricant. The control unit (2) may de-actuate the operation of the cooling apparatus (4) once the condition of the lubricant is within a comparable limit [may be about 5-10% deviation] from that of the predetermined characteristics of the lubricant. Further, the control unit (2) is configured to keep a count of operation of the cooling apparatus (4), and generate the alert signal for indicating corresponding service life of the lubricant. Also, such alert signal may include information pertaining to quantity of the coolant available in the cooling apparatus (4) for further monitoring condition of the lubricant. Such information may be displayed on the display device (7) associated with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the system (100) provides a real-time detection of condition of the lubricant thereby, ensuring fail-proof monitoring of the wheel hub (1) in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the system (100) provides a simple and economical layout for monitoring condition of the lubricant in the wheel hub (1).

In an embodiment, the system (100) may be retrofittable in the vehicles.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral numerals:
Particulars Numeral
Wheel hub 1
Axel 1a
Sealing cap 1b
Fastening members 1c
Control unit 2
Sensor 3
Cooling apparatus 4
Nozzle 5
Control valve 6
Display device 7
System 100
Method steps 201-204