Rolling Bearing Ball Arrangement with Blockwise Assembly Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling rolling bearings are inefficient, as they require multiple operations to be performed at the same position, leading to increased operational complexity and bottlenecks on the assembly line, which deteriorates the assemblability of rolling bearings.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves collecting rolling elements to one circumferential place using a ball collection jig and then using positional misalignment prevention members to convey them to subsequent operations, where they are divided into blocks and arranged at equal intervals using block division and equal distribution jigs, respectively, to streamline the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple operations (ball collection, block division, equal distribution) are performed at one operation position, then the assembly process can be completed in a single location, but the operational complexity increases and the process becomes a bottleneck on the assembly line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly process into separate operation positions: ball collection operation, block division operation, and equal distribution operation. Each operation is performed at a dedicated position along the assembly line, allowing parallel processing and eliminating the bottleneck caused by performing all operations at a single position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-position three-dimensional operation to a multi-position linear arrangement along the assembly line. By distributing operations across different positions in space, the system enables continuous flow processing and improves overall productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a comb-shaped cylindrical ball distribution jig is used to arrange rolling elements at equal intervals, then the rolling elements can be distributed uniformly, but the axial length of the teeth increases causing wear and deformation of the jig
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ball distribution function into multiple smaller operations performed by different jigs at different positions. Instead of one long comb-shaped jig, multiple smaller jigs handle ball collection, block division, and equal distribution separately, reducing the axial length and wear on each individual jig.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate blocks as mediators between the ball collection stage and the final equal distribution. The blocks temporarily hold groups of rolling elements and facilitate their transfer to the equal distribution jig, allowing the use of shorter, less worn jigs while maintaining distribution precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ball distribution jig is inserted deeply into the rolling element mounting space, then the rolling elements can be arranged at equal intervals, but the insertion load increases causing damage to rolling elements and deformation of the jig
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning function across multiple jigs with shorter insertion depths. The ball collection jig, block division jig, and equal distribution jig each perform partial positioning tasks with reduced insertion loads, preventing damage to rolling elements and deformation of the jigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of rolling elements into blocks before the final equal distribution. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and force required in the subsequent equal distribution step, as the blocks are already pre-organized and easier to position accurately with lower insertion loads.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
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AI summary
According to the present invention, during transport from a ball-collection-work location to a block-division-work location and/or during transport from the block-division-work location to a uniform-arrangement-work location, a displacement prevention member is inserted into a circumferential-direction gap between rolling bodies, and the rolling bodies are kept from rolling and thereby scattering, becoming displaced, etc.