Bearing Housing Ceramic Layer for Wireless Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing apparatuses with wireless communication functions face challenges in transmitting data wirelessly due to the presence of metal components that obstruct radio wave propagation, leading to potential interference with other mechanisms and increased costs or shape inaccuracies when spaces are created for wave propagation.
Innovation Solution
A bearing apparatus with a non-metallic layer, such as ceramic, is integrated into the lid portions or housing to facilitate wireless data transmission, and a self-generation power source is used to power the communication apparatus, eliminating the need for external electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a space (hole or groove) is provided in the housing to facilitate radio wave propagation, then wireless communication is enabled, but interference with cooling mechanisms occurs and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming a non-metallic layer (such as resin or ceramic) at specific locations where radio waves need to pass through - namely the lid portion and/or bottom portion of the housing. This localized non-metallic region creates a radio wave transmission window without requiring complex hollow structures or grooves throughout the entire housing, thus enabling wireless communication while maintaining simple housing geometry and avoiding interference with cooling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the housing from entirely metallic to having a non-metallic layer at specific regions. This parameter change (material composition) allows radio waves to penetrate the housing at those locations without requiring structural modifications like holes or grooves, thereby simplifying the housing structure while enabling wireless communication.
2Reliability
If electrical wires are used for data transmission, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but interference with other mechanisms occurs and assembly ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (electrical wires) with an electromagnetic wave-based wireless communication system. By incorporating a non-metallic layer in the housing to allow radio wave passage and equipping the bearing apparatus with a communication device, the system achieves data transmission without physical wire connections, thereby simplifying assembly and eliminating interference with other mechanisms while maintaining reliable data transmission.
3Reliability
If a complicated shaped space is provided in the housing for radio wave propagation, then wireless communication is enabled, but manufacturing precision and cost are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complicated hollow spaces or grooves throughout the housing, the patent applies a non-metallic layer only at specific local regions (lid and/or bottom portions) where radio wave transmission is needed. This localized approach maintains the overall simple and accurate geometry of the housing, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing processes while enabling wireless communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction by combining metallic housing material with a non-metallic layer (resin or ceramic) at specific regions. This composite structure allows the housing to maintain its structural integrity and simple geometric shape for easy manufacturing, while the non-metallic portions provide the necessary radio wave transmission capability without requiring complicated hollow structures.
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 wireless data transmission without requiring additional space within the housing, reducing interference with other mechanisms and maintaining shape accuracy while lowering costs.
Implementation Method 1
a non-metallic layer composed of a non-metallic material is formed in at least one of a portion of the lid portion in contact with the housing, a portion of the housing in contact with the lid portion... the communication apparatus wirelessly communicating over electromagnetic waves
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing apparatus (1) includes a housing (3) where a main spindle (4) is accommodated, a bearing (5a) including an inner ring (5ia) and an outer ring (5ga), the bearing (5a) supporting the main spindle (4) rotatably with respect to the housing (3), a retaining lid (10) fitted to an inside surface of the housing (3) while the retaining lid is in contact with an axial end surface of the housing (3) and an axial end surface of the outer ring (5ga), and a communication module (140) arranged in a region opposed to the retaining lid (10) with the bearing (5a) being interposed, the communication module (140) wirelessly communicating over electromagnetic waves. In a portion of the retaining lid (10) in contact with the housing (3), a non-metallic layer (10a) composed of ceramic which is a non-metallic material is provided.