Rolling Bearing Cage with Spherical Wall for Axial Load Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep groove bearings with increased entry diameters for high axial loads suffer from deformation and wear due to outward offset of internal contact points, leading to reduced cage performance under elevated temperatures and friction.
Innovation Solution
A retention cage design with axially extending bridges and spherical walls, featuring internal diameters that are less than the nominal diameter, ensuring improved ball retention and reduced deformation by lowering internal contact points, allowing for stable axial mounting and operation under high loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the entry diameter of the raceway is increased to handle high axial loads, then the bearing capacity for axial loads is improved, but the internal contact points of the balls in the cage accommodations are offset outward, leading to cage deformation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the diameters at different locations of the cage. The nominal internal diameter (DN) at the bridge root is smaller than the entry diameter (DE) of the raceway. This local differentiation allows the cage to maintain structural integrity at the contact points while accommodating the larger balls required for high axial load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diameter parameter of the cage structures at different locations. Specifically, it defines DN < DE, creating a diameter gradient that optimizes both load bearing capability and contact point stability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the cage to adapt its dimensional characteristics to different functional requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the nominal diameter of the cage is increased to match the increased entry diameter of the raceway, then axial mounting is enabled, but the internal contact points are offset outward causing the cage to deform more easily under temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating different diameter zones within the cage structure. The nominal internal diameter DN at the bridge root is deliberately made smaller than the entry diameter DE, creating a localized structural feature that maintains shape stability at critical contact points while enabling axial mounting through the larger entry opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing dimensional variation within the cage structure. Instead of a uniform diameter, it creates a dimensional gradient where DN < DE, effectively using multiple diameter dimensions to simultaneously achieve axial mounting capability and contact point stability.
3Reliability
If the cage nominal diameter is made smaller to maintain internal contact points, then cage deformation is reduced, but axial mounting into the raceway becomes difficult when the raceway entry diameter is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating differentiated diameter zones: the nominal internal diameter DN at the bridge root is smaller to maintain holding capability, while the entry diameter DE of the raceway is larger to facilitate axial mounting. This local differentiation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cage diameter into different functional zones. The bridge root area has diameter DN for stable ball retention, while the entry area has diameter DE for easy mounting. This segmentation allows the cage to simultaneously satisfy conflicting requirements of holding capability and mounting ease.
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
The design enhances the cage's holding capability on the row of balls, preventing deformation and wear, even under high-speed centrifugation and increased operating temperatures, while maintaining axial mounting and satisfactory retention.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical wall defining a housing whose internal diameter is adapted for the retention of a ball in sliding contact on said walls
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The cage has an annular heel (8) extending axially from bridges (9) defining an inside nominal diameter, where each bridge has two lateral edges. The lateral edges form a spherical wall (11) that is arranged to define a housing (10) between the bridges, where the housing has internal diameter for holding balls in sliding contact with the spherical wall. An opening (13) is formed between free ends (14) of the bridges. Each lateral edge has an inner extension on which the spherical wall extends, where the extensions comprise inner diameter that is strictly less than the nominal diameter. An independent claim is also included for a rolling bearing.