Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC

Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC

Lucas A Balistreri

Jason M Sidders

Shane T Smith

Pheng Lee

Steven G Slesinski

Lloyd G Racine

Christopher D Blessing

Shad J Falls

Philip M Molloy

Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6×4 axle configuration and a 6×2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.

Systems and methods for providing adjustable lubrication to a tandem axle

Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a lubrication system based on an axle configuration of a tandem axle with a disconnect feature. In one example, a method may include adjusting an oil level in an axle sump of a tandem axle based on an axle configuration of the tandem axle (e.g., whether the tandem axle is operating with one of a 6&#xd7;4 axle configuration and a 6&#xd7;2 axle configuration), the axle sump selectably coupled to an external reservoir via a first passage and a second passage, the first passage including an electric pump, the second passage including a valve, and the tandem axle coupled to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In this way, an amount of oil in the axle sump may be adjusted based on the tandem axle configuration.

A wheel end assembly for a tire pressure management system including an axle having an axle end portion and a rotary joint assembly disposed outboard of the axle end portion. The rotary joint has a rotary hub, a non-rotating tube spindle at least partially disposed within the rotary hub, the tube spindle having a tube spindle hollow central chamber, an air seal provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle, and a bearing assembly provided between the rotary hub and the tube spindle. The bearing assembly is positioned outboard of the air seal.

Wheel end assembly with external rotary joint and rotary joint venting mechanism

A wheel hub assembly having a non-rotating outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange disposed at least partially concentrically within the outer bearing flange. At least one rolling element is disposed radially between the outer bearing flange and the inner bearing flange. A port is disposed in the outer bearing flange, and a first conduit is disposed through the outer bearing flange in fluid communication with the fluid port. A second conduit is disposed through the inner bearing flange, wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit. A rotating spindle is disposed at least partially through the inner bearing flange, and the spindle is coupled for rotation with the inner bearing flange.

Ported wheel hub assembly and the tire inflation system made therewith

Provided herein is an axle assembly, including: a carrier housing defining an interior cavity; a pinion shaft rotatably supported in the carrier housing by at least one bearing; a lubricant channel disposed in the carrier housing, the lubricant channel having a first end in fluid communication with the at least one bearing and a second end in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a lubricant controller at least partially disposed in the lubricant channel, wherein the lubricant controller includes a lubricant capture portion.

Lubricant regulating system and an axle assembly made therewith

An assembly for a tire inflation system includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a base portion () and a cap portion (). The base portion has a base perforation (). The base perforation () is in fluid communication with a base cavity. The cap portion () is attached to the base portion (). The cap portion () has a cap perforation () formed therein. The cap perforation () is in selective fluid communication with the base cavity. A piston () is disposed in the base cavity. A first area (A) is defined by the base perforation (), a second area (A) is defined by the lateral area of a cylindrical space between the piston () and the cap portion (), and a third area (A) is defined by the cap perforation (). The second area (A) is greater than the first area (A) and the third area (A).

Valve assembly for a tire inflation system

An axle assembly having a spindle yoke defining at least one fluid conduit therethrough. A collector ring disposed about the spindle yoke. A seal housing coupled with a knuckle, and the seal housing disposed coaxially with the collector ring. First and second rotary seals disposed radially between the collector ring and the seal housing. Additionally, a port disposed in the knuckle, wherein the port is in fluid communication with the spindle yoke at least one fluid conduit via the seal housing and the collector ring.

Front axle wheel assembly and the tire inflation system made therewith

A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing. A first chamber () is provided in the housing. A second chamber () is provided in the housing. The second chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the first chamber. A third chamber () is provided in the housing. The third chamber is selectively in fluid communication with the second chamber. A deflate piston () is at least partially provided in the third chamber and the second chamber. The deflate piston () selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the second chamber and the third chamber. An inflate piston () is attached to the deflate piston (). The inflate piston () is at least partially provided in the second chamber and the first chamber. The inflate piston () selectively permits or prevents fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. At a first pressure, the second chamber is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber and, at a second pressure, the second chamber is in direct fluid communication with the third chamber. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure and the first pressure is greater than an initial pressure.

Valve assembly for a tire pressure management system

A valve assembly for a tire pressure management system includes a housing having a first perforation and a second perforation. The first perforation is selectively in fluid communication with the second perforation. A shuttle assembly is provided in the housing. A failsafe piston is connected to the shuttle assembly. A first biasing member applies a bias to the failsafe piston. A second biasing member applies a bias to the shuttle assembly. When a pressure differential between a pressure in the second perforation and a pressure in the first perforation is at or below a predetermined value, the bias applied by the first biasing member urges the failsafe piston toward the shuttle assembly to prevent fluid communication between the first perforation and the second perforation.

A wheel valve assembly having a body portion coupled with a cover portion. A diaphragm disposed between the body portion and the cover portion. A first biasing member disposed between the cover portion and the diaphragm in a cover cavity defined thereby. A control cavity defined by the body portion and the diaphragm, and at least one control port defined by the body portion and in fluid communication with the control cavity. A tire port defined by the body portion and in selective fluid communication with the control cavity. A first and second conduit disposed in the body portion in fluid communication with a third and fourth conduit disposed in the cover portion. An equalization valve assembly disposed in one of the conduits to control fluid communication between the cover cavity and the control cavity.

Wheel valve assembly and the tire inflation system made therewith

A valve assembly for a central tire inflation system is provided. The valve assembly includes a first housing having a first port connected to a second port via a cavity. The second port is in fluid communication with a wheel assembly. A biasing member is disposed in the cavity adjacent a first perforation formed in the first housing. A valve member is contacted by the biasing member. The valve member includes a first portion having an outer surface which is unbroken adjacent an end to allow a pressurized fluid to flow around it. The first portion reduces in diameter toward the end.

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Bowling Green, OH, United States of America

Lucas A Balistreri