Abstract: An axle assembly comprises a sensor and provision of an electrical ground connection from a sensor to a vehicle ground potential in order to provide data about an axle and/or a wheel hub connected to the axle. In particular, an inner surface of an internal cavity of an axle is used as an electrical grounding point for a sensor, thereby protecting the ground connection and sensor from harsh environments. In an embodiment, an axle assembly comprises a support member adapted to be disposed within the interior cavity of the axle, and the sensor is operatively connected to said support member. The sensor comprises an electrical ground input electrically connected to a surface of the axle within the cavity. Such an axle assembly may be provided as a constituent component in a vehicle.

Abstract: A knuckle assembly for a wheelend assembly of a vehicle is disclosed, having a spindle comprising an outboard end for receiving the wheelend assembly, an inboard end, and a spindle axis extending between the outboard end and the inboard end, and a flange portion extending radially from the spindle. A knuckle is cast about the inboard end of the spindle and may at least partially encapsulate the flange on an inboard side of the flange and an outboard side of the flange. Novel geometries for the knuckle and spindle, having different materials, are disclosed, along with a method of forming the knuckle assembly.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for a non-drive axle of a vehicle, the wheel hub assembly comprising a wheel flange for rotatably supporting a tire with respect to a vehicle chassis; a spindle for supporting the wheel flange with respect to the chassis; and an air flow path for supplying pressurised air from an air supply to said tire. The spindle is rotatable with the wheel flange with respect to the chassis; and a section of the air flow path is defined by the spindle.

Abstract: A knuckle assembly for a wheelend assembly of a vehicle is disclosed, having a spindle comprising an outboard end for receiving the wheelend assembly, an inboard end, and a spindle axis extending between the outboard end and the inboard end, and a flange portion extending radially from the spindle. A knuckle is cast about the inboard end of the spindle and may at least partially encapsulate the flange on an inboard side of the flange and an outboard side of the flange. Novel geometries for the knuckle and spindle, having different materials, are disclosed, along with a method of forming the knuckle assembly.

Abstract: A support member for routing fluid or electrical lines within structural members comprises a conduit having a wall that defines a passage configured to receive at least one line. The passage within the conduit is configured to permit free movement of the at least one line along a longitudinal axis of the conduit. Further, the support member comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots formed in a wall of the conduit and configured to define, in an expanded state of the support member, a plurality of arms radially extending from the conduit and spaced apart from each other about a circumference of the conduit. The support member may be configured for deployment within a structural member of a vehicle, including but not limited to an axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a tire inflation system may include a steer-axle spindle, wherein the steer-axle spindle may include a first side, a second side, and a channel formed in the steer-axle spindle through the first side and the second side. A fluid conduit may be configured to be disposed through the channel from the first side of the steer-axle spindle to the second side of the steer-axle spindle, wherein a first end of the fluid conduit may be configured to be in fluid communication with a rotary union, and a second end of the fluid conduit may be configured to be in fluid communication with an air supply for the tire inflation system.

Abstract: A tire inflation assembly includes a housing that includes a fluid supply port and at least partially defining a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid supply port. The tire inflation assembly further includes a first valve subassembly operatively connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the first valve subassembly is configured to be operatively connected to and in fluid communication with a first tire. The first valve subassembly includes a first fluid valve and a second fluid valve each disposed between and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and with the first tire. The first fluid valve is configured to open responsive to a pressure differential between the fluid chamber and the first tire, and the second fluid valve is configured to open responsive to pressure in the fluid chamber being greater than a first pressure threshold.