Rolling Bearing Arc Discharge Evaluation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating arc discharges in rolling bearings are inadequate as they do not allow for isolated control of operating parameters, leading to unsatisfactory correlations between arc discharge effects and bearing damage, and fail to provide reliable predictions for bearing damage caused by these discharges.
Innovation Solution
An evaluation method that sets a defined operating state for the rolling bearing and applies a pulse-shaped electrical voltage to generate arc discharges, recording characteristic values such as energy, power, voltage, and duration, and evaluating only those discharges exceeding a predetermined limit value, which is based on the material's enthalpy requirements for melting and boiling, to determine the volume-related energy input and predict potential bearing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If measurements are carried out in the entire drive system (converter and motor), then arc discharges and bearing currents can be recorded, but isolated control of operating parameters of the rolling bearing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system by installing individual sensors on the bearing components (inner and outer rings) to measure arc discharge characteristics locally, rather than measuring the entire drive system. This allows isolated control and evaluation of bearing operating parameters while still capturing comprehensive arc discharge information.
2Measurement precision
If current density of arc discharges is recorded, then some measurement data is obtained, but reliable correlations between load on the bearing and damage caused by arc discharges cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from simply recording current density to measuring multiple characteristics including voltage, current, duration, and energy of arc discharges. By varying and measuring these parameters comprehensively, the system can establish reliable correlations between arc discharge characteristics and bearing damage by comparing against material enthalpy values.
3Loss of information
If multiple operating parameters are measured to understand bearing damage, then comprehensive data is obtained, but the complexity of the measurement and control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the bearing's own operational characteristics (speed, temperature, load) as input parameters that automatically influence the arc discharge measurement system. The system leverages existing sensor data from the bearing operation itself rather than requiring separate complex measurement systems for each parameter.
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 method enables reliable predictions of bearing damage by determining the energy distribution of arc discharges and their duration, allowing for classification of operating states as permissible or impermissible, thereby preventing material evaporation and potential bearing failure.
Implementation Method 1
applying a pulse-shaped electrical voltage between the bearing inner ring and bearing outer ring, a large number of arc discharges are generated
Implementation Method 2
at least one value is recorded for each arc discharge, which is characteristic of the energy, power, voltage, current and / or duration of the respective arc discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
According to the invention, a defined operating state of an antifriction bearing (1) is set in a test stand. To do so, at least one of the following parameters is set: rotational speed (n) of the antifriction bearing (1); temperature of the bearing (1); imbalance on the bearing (1), causing vibrations; lubricant; axial, radial, and asymmetrical load; tilting of the inner bearing ring (8) relative to the outer bearing ring (9); pulse shape and pulse repetition rate of the applied voltage (U); play of and previous damage to the bearing (1). A plurality of arc discharges between the inner bearing ring (8) and the outer bearing ring (9) are generated in the defined operating state by applying a pulsating voltage (U) between the inner bearing ring (8) and the outer bearing ring (9) of the bearing (1). At least one value characteristic of the energy (E), the power, the voltage, the current, and/or the duration (t) of each arc discharge is acquired for each arc discharge. Only the arc discharges for which a qualifying value (Q) determined in accordance with at least one of the acquired characteristic values of each arc discharge exceeds a predetermined limit (G) are evaluated.