Annular 2D Bearing Codes for Accurate Small-Bearing Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing identification methods face challenges with high reading accuracy and space constraints, particularly for small bearings, as they can only record a limited amount of information due to small engraving spaces, making it difficult to manage increasing data requirements and provide individual identification for all bearing components.
Innovation Solution
The use of an annular two-dimensional code with a maximum circumferential dimension longer than the radial or axial dimension, allowing for high-accuracy reading and space-efficient data storage, along with a method for imaging and detecting the code on rotating bearing components to extract registration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If character string information is engraved on the bearing end surface, then visual checking is easy, but reading errors occur in automatic reading and the amount of recordable information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional character strings to two-dimensional code patterns for information encoding. This dimensional change allows significantly more information to be stored in the same limited space on the bearing end surface, while also enabling more reliable automatic reading through pattern recognition rather than character interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized two-dimensional code patterns that can be reliably copied and read by optical devices. These patterns serve as robust digital copies of identification information that are less prone to reading errors compared to engraved character strings, enabling accurate automatic data capture
2Loss of information
If more information is recorded to increase data capacity, then individual identification is improved, but the engraving space requirement increases which is problematic for small bearings
Solution Approach 1:
By encoding information in a two-dimensional pattern rather than linear character strings, the patent achieves exponential increase in information density. This allows comprehensive individual identification data to be stored within the constrained engraving area of small bearings without requiring proportional increases in surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters from alphanumeric characters to binary-like two-dimensional patterns. This parameter transformation enables much higher information density within the same physical space, allowing full individual identification of bearing components even on small bearing surfaces
3Device complexity
If character strings are used for identification, then the structure is simple, but reading errors occur in automatic reading systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized two-dimensional code patterns that function as reliable digital copies of identification information. These patterns are specifically designed for optical reading systems, providing robust data capture with minimal errors compared to character string recognition, while maintaining relatively simple implementation
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing component is an annular member with a two-dimensional code which has a shape with a maximum circumferential dimension longer than a maximum radial dimension or a maximum axial dimension. An individual identification method for the bearing component includes the steps of imaging while rotating the bearing component, detecting a line pattern of the two-dimensional code from a captured image, recognizing the two-dimensional code based on an extension direction of the line pattern, extracting corresponding registration information by referring to a database based on information of the two-dimensional code, and identifying the bearing component according to the extracted registration information.