Rolling Bearing Cage Segment Centering With Beam Protuberances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling bearings with segmented cages face issues of damage and jamming due to centrifugal force and low rotation speed, leading to friction and wear on the rings.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates convex protuberances on the beams of the cage segment that interact with the rollers, maintaining the cage's centering and reducing friction by forming lubricant reservoirs through recesses on the shoulders, which helps in keeping the cage segment centered between the raceways even at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cage segments are made of synthetic material to reduce bulk, then the rolling bearing size is reduced, but the cage segments rub on the rings and get damaged under centrifugal force or low rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The cage segment uses a composite structure combining a synthetic material body with metallic protuberances on the beams. The synthetic material maintains reduced bulk while the metallic protuberances provide wear resistance and structural integrity during operation, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage segment applies different material properties to different parts: the main body uses synthetic material for weight reduction while the protuberances on the beams use metallic material for enhanced mechanical strength and wear resistance. This local differentiation allows the cage to simultaneously achieve compact size and high reliability.
2Weight of moving object
If cage segments are made of synthetic material to reduce weight, then the rolling bearing weight is reduced, but the cage segments jam between the raceways at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid composite structure combines lightweight synthetic material with metallic reinforcement elements. The metallic protuberances provide the necessary mechanical strength to prevent jamming at high speeds while the synthetic material body maintains low weight, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage segment concentrates metallic material only where mechanically critical (at the protuberances on beams) while using synthetic material for the non-critical body portions. This localized reinforcement provides high-speed stability without compromising the overall weight reduction benefit.
3Device complexity
If the cage segment structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing is easier, but the cage segment cannot maintain proper centering on the rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into modular segments with standardized beam structures. Each segment contains protuberances that provide centering functionality, allowing the complex centering requirement to be achieved through repeated simple modular units rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protuberances on the beams are pre-configured with specific geometric features (convex surfaces with defined curvature radii) that automatically provide centering action when the cage is assembled. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures proper centering accuracy without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
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 design effectively reduces the risk of cage segment damage and friction with the rings, enhancing the durability and performance of the rolling bearing by maintaining proper alignment and lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
Under the effect of the centrifugal force or when the relative speed of rotation of the inner and outer rings is low, the cage segments can rub on these rings and be damaged.
Implementation Method 2
the cage segments can rub on these rings and be damaged
Data Source
AI summary
A cage segment for a rolling bearing delimiting a plurality of through pockets for receiving rollers and having first and second walls extending in the circumferential direction and provided with internal surfaces opposite one another and forming abutment surfaces for the end faces of the rollers, and a plurality of beams extending transversely between the first and second walls and linking the walls, each pocket being delimited in the circumferential direction by two successive beams and each beam partly delimiting two successive pockets. Each beam includes, at a lateral end, a protuberance of concave outer form and intended to come into contact with the outer surface of at least one roller, two protuberances being opposite in the circumferential direction for each through pocket.