Wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system

摘要

The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

主权项

1. A vehicle trailer wheel-end assembly comprising:
a wheel hub mounted to a spindle of a hollow trailer axle, said hub being mounted on an inner bearing and an outer bearing, the outer bearing being disposed along said axle spindle between said inner bearing and the free end of said spindle, said hollow trailer axle spindle being capable of including pressurized air; and a high-temperature warning valve mounted at the free end of said hollow trailer axle spindle, said valve being capable of receiving heat from said inner bearing or said outer bearing and being capable of releasing said pressurized air in response to said heat.