Axial Roller Bearing Cage Support Ring Against Centrifugal Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Axial roller bearing assemblies in heavy-duty vehicles face failure due to high centrifugal forces, which can break the plastic cage, especially at higher speeds, and using stronger materials increases friction and costs.
Innovation Solution
An annular plastic cage with a support ring circumferentially positioned around the outer perimeter, providing strengthening support to counteract centrifugal forces, which can be press-fitted or loosely fitted to allow radial expansion without breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cage material is made of stronger material to withstand high centrifugal forces, then the cage strength is improved, but the friction increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cage structure is segmented into a plastic cage body and a separate support ring component. The support ring is positioned circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the cage to provide strengthening support specifically where needed to withstand centrifugal forces, while the main plastic cage body maintains its low-friction properties for roller support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly uses a composite structure combining plastic material for the cage body with a different material (metal or reinforced plastic) for the support ring. This composite approach allows the cage to have low friction from the plastic while the support ring provides the necessary strength to counteract centrifugal forces.
2Strength
If a press-fit support ring is used to provide stronger support, then the cage strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is designed with a degree of freedom in its radial position, allowing it to expand or contract radially as needed. This dynamic capability enables the support ring to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, providing a robust solution that works with both tight and loose fits without requiring precise press-fit conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for variation in the radial clearance between the support ring and the cage, accommodating different fit conditions (tight or loose). This parameter flexibility enables manufacturers to choose the most convenient assembly method while maintaining the strengthening function of the support ring.
3Strength
If the support ring is tightly fitted to the cage, then the support strength is improved, but the radial expansion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is designed with a degree of freedom in its radial position, allowing it to expand or contract radially as needed. This dynamic capability enables the support ring to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, providing a robust solution that works with both tight and loose fits without requiring precise press-fit conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The support ring enhances the service life of the axial roller bearing assembly by reducing the likelihood of cage failure under high centrifugal forces, allowing for larger thrust surfaces and easier assembly while maintaining robustness.
Implementation Method 1
The allowable speed of an axial roller bearing assembly may be limited partly by the centrifugal forces acting on the rollers and the cage in which the rollers are provided. High centrifugal forces may contribute to failure in at least two scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An axial roller bearing assembly includes an annular plastic cage comprising a plurality of openings distributed along the circumferential direction of the cage. A plurality of rollers are provided in a respective opening of the cage; and a support ring is provided circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the cage and in contact with the cage for providing strengthening support to the plastic material of the cage.