Radial Roller Bearing Cage With Axial-Only Fitting Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial roller bearing cages with non-continuous sections in the circumferential direction face challenges in assembly due to obstacles and require relative displacement in both axial and radial directions, leading to potential wear and manufacturing cost issues.
Innovation Solution
A cage design with a non-continuous section in the circumferential direction, featuring inside and outside fitting pieces that fit together only in the axial direction, allowing for radial displacement while preventing axial displacement, manufactured using axial draw molding to reduce wear and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cage is made with a non-continuous section to enable assembly around obstacles, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the structural integrity and reliability deteriorate due to potential relative displacement and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into two end sections (first end section and second end section) separated by a non-continuous section, allowing the cage to be assembled around obstacles on the shaft. The fitting pieces on each end section enable the segmented structure to function as a complete cage while maintaining reliability through controlled fitting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting pieces are designed to allow relative displacement in the radial direction during operation, enabling the cage to dynamically adapt to centrifugal forces and operational conditions. This dynamic capability prevents fretting wear while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the end sections are allowed to displace radially to prevent wear, then the durability is improved, but the axial position stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting pieces are designed with selective displacement capabilities - they allow radial displacement to prevent fretting wear and improve durability, while simultaneously constraining axial displacement through their geometric configuration and fitting mechanism. This local quality differentiation enables the same structure to serve multiple functional requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional fitting section design is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the cage cannot expand and contract smoothly leading to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting pieces are designed to enable dynamic expansion and contraction of the cage in the radial direction during operation. This dynamic capability allows the cage to smoothly adapt to operational conditions without fretting wear, while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple through injection molding of the integrated fitting pieces.
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 smooth expansion and contraction of the cage to prevent fretting wear, reduces manufacturing costs, and facilitates easier assembly by allowing radial displacement without axial displacement, thus improving the operational efficiency and durability of the radial roller bearing.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to expand the width of the non-continuous section 11 in the circumferential direction due to the elastic deformation of the cage 7a
Implementation Method 2
the cage 7 rotates with respect to the outer-diameter side member 2 and shaft 4 together with the revolving motion of the rollers 6
Data Source
AI summary
A cage 7b for a radial roller bearing is achieved that can be manufactured by axial draw molding, and in which end sections 12c that are provided on both sides of a non-continuous section 11a fit together so that relative displacement in the radial direction is possible, and so that relative displacement in the axial direction is not possible. A fitting section 13a where the end sections 12c, 12d fit together comprises an inside fitting piece 17 that is provided in the middle section in the axial direction of one end section 12c, and a pair of outside fitting pieces 18a, 18b that are provided in separated portions on both sides in the axial direction of the other end section 12d so as to not overlap each other with regard to the axial direction. When assembled in a radial roller bearing, by placing the inside fitting piece 17 in the portion between the outside fitting pieces 18a, 18b, the inside fitting piece 17 fits with the outside fitting pieces 18a, 18b in the axial direction without the fitting piece and the outside fitting pieces 18a, 18b overlapping in the radial direction.