Rolling Bearing Assembly with Calculated Ring Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling rolling bearings, particularly deep groove ball bearings, face challenges in achieving reproducible results under series production conditions, with eccentric assembly methods often resulting in inconsistent deformation and potential damage to bearing rings.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a clamping mechanism, a force generating device with a lever mechanism, and a calculation device that mathematically determines the radial force needed for elastic deformation of the bearing outer ring, optimizing the deformation to maximize the number of rolling elements filled while preventing damage, and allowing for easy adjustment and control of the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If eccentric assembly method is used to fill rolling elements, then the number of balls that can be filled is increased, but the deformation of bearing rings becomes inconsistent and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of rolling elements filledVSAvoidreproducibility of assembly result

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by mathematically determining the optimal degree of elastic deformation based on bearing dimensions and using a lever mechanism with adjustable lever arm length to precisely control the deformation force. This ensures consistent and reproducible assembly results while maximizing the number of rolling elements that can be filled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or inconsistent mechanical deformation methods with a calculated mechanical system. A calculation device determines the required deformation force based on bearing parameters, and this calculated force is applied through a lever mechanism, substituting trial-and-error mechanical approaches with a deterministic mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If elastic deformation of bearing rings is increased to maximize ball filling, then more rolling elements can be filled, but the risk of damage to bearing rings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of rolling elements filledVSAvoidrisk of damage to bearing ring

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the deformation parameter by mathematically determining the precise force required based on bearing dimensions and material properties. The lever mechanism allows continuous adjustment of the deformation parameter to achieve the maximum safe deformation that fills more balls without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using a calculation device that determines the optimal deformation force based on bearing parameters, and the lever mechanism with adjustable lever arm length allows precise control and adjustment of the applied force. This feedback loop ensures the deformation remains within safe limits while maximizing ball filling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If different bearing dimensionings require different deformation forces, then optimal filling is achieved for each type, but the complexity of the assembly device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimized deformation for each bearing typeVSAvoidcomplexity of force control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single assembly device with a lever mechanism whose lever arm length can be adjusted. This single device can handle different bearing dimensionings by changing the lever arm length, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining optimized deformation for each bearing type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the lever arm length adjustable rather than fixed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different bearing types and deformation requirements, providing optimized manufacturing precision across various bearing dimensionings without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables reliable and efficient assembly of different types of rolling bearings with maximized filling capacity and minimized risk of damage, ensuring uniform distribution of rolling elements and easy integration of a rolling element cage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bearing ring is elastically deformed in a generally known manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3969768B1Method and apparatus to assemble a rolling bearing

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

During the course of the assembly of a roller bearing (2), two bearing rings (4, 5) are arranged eccentrically relative to one another and at least one of the bearing rings (4, 5) is elastically deformed. A force applied to the bearing ring (4, 5) for the purpose of deformation is calculated depending on the dimensioning of the bearing ring (4, 5).