Abstract: A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/or operation of each wheel hub.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a disc brake rotor assembly is provided that includes a disc brake rotor and a wheel hub. One of the disc brake rotor and the wheel hub includes a plurality of pairs of partial keyways and the other of the disc brake rotor and the wheel hub includes intermediate partial keyways configured to fit intermediate the pairs of partial keyways to form keyways. The disc brake rotor assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to be received in the keyways to secure the disc brake rotor and the wheel hub together.

Abstract: In one aspect, a wheel end monitoring apparatus comprising a wheel hub configured to receive a wheel rim and be clamped therewith. The wheel end monitoring apparatus further includes a power source, at least one sensor, and communication circuitry that are rotatable with the wheel hub. The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one property of the clamped wheel hub and the wheel rim. The at least one property is indicative of the clamping of the clamped wheel hub and the wheel rim. The communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate data associated with the at least one property to an external device.

Abstract: A bearing seal includes a seal case, a sleeve, and a thrust bumper disposed between the seal case and the sleeve to define spacing between the seal case and the sleeve during assembly of a wheel end implementing the bearing seal. The thrust bumper includes polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: In one aspect, a sleeper bunk is provided that includes a support for a mattress. The support includes an assembly of support portions each having at least one surface arranged to support an underside of the mattress. The sleeper bunk includes at least one mount connected to the support and configured to facilitate movement of the support and the mattress thereon between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation. The support portions have overlapping portions configured to distribute a load from the mattress between the support portions.

Abstract: In one aspect, a lock nut is provided that includes a washer, a threaded body, and an actuator that are distinct from one another. The washer is configured to form a non-rotatable connection with a vehicle spindle. The threaded body has threads to engage threads of the vehicle spindle. The actuator has a rotary drive structure and is configured to be turned in a tightening direction to cause turning of the threaded body in the tightening direction relative to the washer. The lock nut includes a lock operably coupled to the actuator and configured to inhibit turning of the threaded body in a loosening direction relative to the washer. The actuator is configured to be turned relative to the threaded body in the loosening direction to disengage the lock and permit turning of the threaded body in the loosening direction relative to the washer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle wheel cover assembly is provided that includes a mount having an attachment portion with a release configuration that permits the attachment portion to engage inboard and outboard surfaces of a wheel hub flange of a wheel and a secured configuration that fixes the attachment portion to the wheel hub flange. The wheel cover assembly includes a retainer shiftable relative to the attachment portion of the mount from an unlocked position wherein the retainer permits the attachment portion to be reconfigured between the release configuration and the secured configured configuration to a locked position wherein the retainer maintains the attachment portion in the secured configuration. The wheel cover assembly further includes a cover assembly configured to be releasably secured to the mount to cover an opening of the wheel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for operating a vehicle system comprising a motor, a battery, and a controller. The vehicle system is configured to provide at least one of regenerative braking wherein the motor operates to charge the battery and propulsion wherein the motor uses electrical power from the battery to propel the vehicle. The method includes, at the controller, determining an effective motor power at a motor speed and a motor torque. The effective motor power is determined based at least in part on a calculated motor power and an electrical power loss of the motor corresponding to the motor speed and the motor torque. The method further includes causing the motor to apply the motor torque to a wheel of the vehicle upon the effective motor power satisfying an operating condition of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A sensor is mounted to or embedded in a wheel hub. The sensor node includes a power source and a sensing device that detects and monitors at least one parameter associated with the wheel hub. The sensor node also includes a communication module that communicates via wireless communication signals and a processing device in communication with the sensing device and the communication module. The processing device collects data from the sensing devices, processes the data, and based on that processing, communicates information relating to the wheel hub to a remote server or network. A mesh network of multiple sensor nodes can be applied to multiple different wheel hubs on a vehicle and communicate with a central processing device. The processing device can thus monitor performance and/or operation of each wheel hub.

Abstract: A dry-lubricating apparatus, for press fitting onto a mating part, includes (a) a frame, (b) a rubber gasket fixed to the frame to create an interference with a mating surface of the mating part so as to enable the press fitting, and (c) a lead-in edge fixed to at least one of the frame and the rubber gasket. The lead-in edge includes a dry lubricant such that, when the dry-lubricating apparatus is slid onto the mating part, along the mating surface and with the rubber gasket trailing the lead-in edge, a portion of the dry lubricant is abraded off the lead-in edge to reduce friction between the rubber gasket and the mating surface.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a wheel end apparatus for a vehicle is provided that includes a wheel hub assembly configured to be mounted to a spindle and a wheel hub of the wheel hub assembly. The wheel end apparatus includes a coil of wire and at least one magnet of the wheel hub assembly configured to move relative to one another with rotation of the wheel hub around the spindle. The wheel end apparatus includes a wheel end device operably coupled to the coil of wire to receive electrical power generated by relative movement of the coil of wire and the at least one magnet. Further, the wheel end apparatus includes communication circuitry operably coupled to the wheel end device and configured to wirelessly communicate wheel end device information with a wheel end monitoring device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a baggage door is provided for a vehicle. The baggage door includes a plastic outer panel for closing an opening of a vehicle and a hinge base configured to be mounted to a surface adjacent the opening. The baggage door further includes a plastic inner support having a hinge portion of the plastic inner support configured to pivotally connect to the hinge base. The inner support includes an arm portion extending away from the hinge portion for supporting the outer panel.

Abstract: A seal case for a bearing seal includes (a) an inner case encircling a rotation axis of the bearing seal, (b) an outer case encircling the rotation axis and including a ring-shaped frame and a rubber gasket over-molded on the frame, and (c) a plastic wafer clamped between the inner case and the outer case, and secured at least by the rubber gasket. A method for manufacturing a bearing seal includes over-molding a rubber gasket onto a ring-shaped frame to form an outer case, placing a plastic wafer between the rubber gasket and an inner case, and securing the inner case to the outer case to form a seal case.

Abstract: A wheel cover assembly has a mounting ring, an outer wheel cover, and an inner wheel locking structure. The mounting ring attaches to a vehicle wheel hub via latch mechanisms that latch over an axle flange of the wheel hub. The outer wheel cover has axially-inwardly-extending latches that secure the outer wheel cover to the mounting ring. The inner wheel locking structure includes axially-inwardly-extending latches that pass through openings in the outer wheel cover, securing the outer wheel cover to the mounting ring. The inner locking structure includes latches that pass through openings in the outer wheel cover. This inner locking structure includes locking pins that extend into the locking ring to lock the wheel cover latches to the mounting ring. A pair of inner locking faces on the inner locking structure lock the mounting ring latches to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A gasket is provided comprising a composite insulating component and a bonding resin. The insulating component is a ceramic abrasive and the bonding resin is a phenolic thermoset resin. The composite insulating component is selected from the group of alumina, zirconia, or silicon carbide. The gasket further comprises a reinforcing fiber selected from the group of glass, ceramic, aramid, or PAN fibers.

Abstract: A wheel cover assembly has a mounting ring, an outer wheel cover, and an inner wheel locking structure. The mounting ring attaches to a vehicle wheel hub via latch mechanisms that latch over an axle flange of the wheel hub. The outer wheel cover has axially-inwardly-extending latches that secure the outer wheel cover to the mounting ring. The inner wheel locking structure includes axially-inwardly-extending latches that pass through openings in the outer wheel cover, securing the outer wheel cover to the mounting ring. The inner locking structure includes latches that pass through openings in the outer wheel cover. This inner locking structure includes locking pins that extend into the locking ring to lock the wheel cover latches to the mounting ring. A pair of inner locking faces on the inner locking structure lock the mounting ring latches to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A wheel retention system is provided for retaining a wheel on a vehicle. The system includes a plurality of connector receiving openings in a wheel hub flange, with each wheel hub flange including a raised bolt stop at each bolt receiving opening. A plurality of threaded connectors or bolts is provided, with each bolt received in one of the bolt receiving openings. Each bolt has a head with a flattened or clipped surface that meshes with the raised bolt stop in each bolt receiving opening on the wheel hub flange. These raised bolt stops positively prevent the bolts from rotating in the openings.

Abstract: An assembly for an induction sensing tone ring is provided. A brake rotor includes a circular pocket. A tone ring is received in the circular pocket of the brake rotor. The brake rotor has a plurality of locating tabs, with each locating tab having a slope surface. The tone ring has a plurality of retaining tabs, with each retaining tab being received between two locating tabs of the brake rotor. A retaining ring is fitted in each locating tab slope surface of the brake rotor to press fit against the retaining tabs of the tone ring.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel for vehicles that includes a unitary lug structure, with a mount face and a dish section of the lug structure extending therefrom. The lug structure is usually a cast aluminum alloy. A wheel structure including a high strength polymer encapsulates a portion of the lug structure dish section. Rim ring(s) are included in the wheel structure and are preferably made of a fiber reinforced high strength polymer.

Abstract: An assembly to secure a disc brake rotor to a wheel hub utilizing spring pins and a retaining ring is provided. A partial keyway is formed in the rotor, and a partial keyway is formed in the wheel hub. The rotor is fitted over an inwardly extending section of the hub, with the partial keyways in the rotor and in the wheel hub being aligned to form complete keyways. The spring pins are then press fit into the completed keyways. Finally, a retaining ring is installed into a slot formed in the inwardly extending section of the wheel hub to complete the assembly of the disc brake rotor assembly.