Ball Bearing Preload Control via Independent Ring Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting preload in roller bearings are inadequate for maintaining constant guidance accuracy and longevity under changing operating conditions and temperature fluctuations, leading to unpredictable bearing play and increased friction, which can result in machine failure.
Innovation Solution
Independent temperature regulation of the bearing rings using separate cooling or heating medium supply lines allows for real-time adjustment of preload during operation, ensuring constant preload despite temperature differences between the inner and outer rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the preload is increased to reduce bearing play, then the guidance accuracy is improved, but the bearing friction increases and the bearing may overheat leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the bearing rings independently to maintain optimal preload. By controlling the temperature of the inner and outer rings separately through heating or cooling, the preload force can be maintained within an optimal range, preventing both excessive play and excessive friction that would lead to overheating and failure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the preload is set during assembly to ensure minimal play, then the initial guidance accuracy is improved, but the bearing preload becomes unpredictable during operation due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the preload condition of the bearing during operation and adjusts the temperature of the bearing rings accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the preload remains stable and predictable throughout operation, compensating for temperature changes and other factors that would otherwise cause preload drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static preload setting during assembly to a dynamic preload control system during operation. By enabling independent temperature regulation of the bearing rings during operation, the system can adaptively maintain optimal preload conditions despite changing operating conditions, ensuring stable guidance accuracy throughout the bearing's service life.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate temperature control systems are implemented for inner and outer bearing rings, then the preload stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the temperature control system into separate control circuits for the inner and outer bearing rings. This segmentation allows independent temperature regulation of each ring, enabling precise control of the preload force. Despite the added complexity, this segmented approach is necessary to achieve the dual objectives of maintaining minimal play while preventing overheating through optimized preload control.
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
This approach maintains consistent preload and prevents bearing play or excessive friction, enhancing the accuracy and longevity of roller bearings in applications like rotary tables and spindles by allowing for precise temperature control of both bearing rings.
Implementation Method 1
the inner ring of the roller bearing is undersized compared to the first component, while the outer ring of the bearing is oversized compared to the second component
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the bearing inner ring and/or the temperature of the bearing outer ring can be regulated independently of one another
Data Source
AI summary
The pre-setting tension process is applied to a rolling bearing (3) between two components (1, 2). The inner ring (4) is fitted to one component (1), and the outer ring (5) to the other component (2). The bearing also contains several rolling bodies (6), i.e. balls or rollers. The temperature of at least one of the bearing rings can be regulated independently of that of the other.