Patent attributes
A pulse vacuum hub lock system for selectively engaging a wheel hub to an axial shaft includes a cartridge housing assembly received in a bore in the wheel hub. The cartridge housing assembly supports a clutch ring for movable engagement between splines in the wheel hub and directly on the axle shaft. A diaphragm is connected to a piston assembly and is responsive to a vacuum pressure to activate the piston assembly to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that holds the clutch ring in an engaged or disengaged position. A piston spring and a helper spring are provided between primary and secondary pistons of the piston assembly and allow for separation in the vacuum levels required to activate the latch mechanism. The vacuum hub lock system is compact so as to be disposed inboard of an opening in the exterior surface of a wheel rim.
