Bearing End-Surface 2D Codes for Accurate Part Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing identification methods face challenges in accurately reading and recording increased amounts of information due to limited space on small bearings, leading to potential reading errors and difficulties in providing individual identification for mass-produced components.
Innovation Solution
The use of two-dimensional codes engraved on the axial end surfaces of bearing components, such as inner and outer rings, allows for high-accuracy reading and recording of identification information, even in limited spaces, using a laser marking method that is space-saving and resistant to damage and scratches.
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 information that can be recorded 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 space while improving machine readability and reducing reading errors, directly resolving the contradiction between information capacity and reading accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters from alphanumeric characters to binary-like code patterns with specific geometric shapes and arrangements. This parameter transformation enables higher information density and more reliable automatic reading, simultaneously addressing both information capacity and reading accuracy requirements
2Loss of information
If more identification information is recorded, then individual identification capability improves, but the limited bearing surface area restricts the number of digits that can be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
By encoding information in a two-dimensional pattern rather than linear character strings, the patent maximizes the use of available bearing surface area. This allows substantially more information to be recorded within the same physical constraints, resolving the contradiction between information capacity and engraving space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the identification information into multiple code elements arranged in a structured two-dimensional pattern. This segmentation allows efficient packing of information within limited space while maintaining the ability to encode a large amount of data, addressing both information capacity and surface area constraints
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 solution enables reliable and accurate individual identification of bearing components with increased information capacity, improving reading accuracy and space efficiency, while maintaining readability even when parts of the code are missing, thus enhancing product management and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional code M is provided on at least one of an axial end surface 11b of the inner ring 11 and an axial end surface 13b of the outer ring 13
Data Source
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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.