Rolling Bearing Cleaning Using Axial Pressurized Liquid Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cleaning rolling bearings, particularly those used in aircrafts, face challenges in removing grease from narrow gaps between rolling elements and races, leading to inefficient cleaning processes that require manual rolling and extended time due to residual soiling on the outer surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a pressurized cleaning liquid across the entire circumference of the rolling bearing, creating a pressure difference to dislodge grease from the narrow gaps between the rolling elements and the race, facilitated by a hollow cylindrical case with a tapered inner surface and a pressurizing device to efficiently clean the bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a general cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the rolling bearing, then the outer surface cleaning is improved, but the grease in the narrow gap between rolling elements and race cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaning operationVSAvoidcleaning completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies hydraulic principles by using pressurized cleaning liquid that is forced into the narrow gaps between rolling elements and race through pressure differential. The cleaning liquid is supplied at high pressure to overcome the adhesive force of the special grease, enabling effective removal from confined spaces that cannot be accessed by simple spraying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pressure parameter of the cleaning liquid from atmospheric pressure (spraying) to high pressure (pressurized supply). This parameter change enables the cleaning liquid to penetrate into the narrow gaps and effectively remove grease that cannot be removed by conventional spraying methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-pressure cleaning liquid is supplied from a cylindrical rotor with spiral groove, then the cleaning liquid penetrates the bearing, but the soiling on the outer surface remains and manual rolling is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cleaning process into two independent paths: one for internal gap cleaning (using pressurized liquid supplied axially) and one for outer surface cleaning (using liquid supply to the outer surface). This segmentation allows both cleaning objectives to be achieved simultaneously without requiring manual intervention for rolling the rolling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces axial direction liquid supply as a new dimension of cleaning approach, supplementing the conventional radial/outer surface cleaning. By supplying cleaning liquid in the axial direction through the pressing member, the patent achieves internal gap cleaning without requiring manual rolling, thereby reducing cleaning time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If special grease with adjusted thickener is used for wide temperature range, then the bearing performance in extreme temperatures is improved, but the grease cannot be easily removed by cleaning liquid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range适应性VSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by supplying pressurized cleaning liquid before inspection to pre-remove the special grease from the bearing. The high pressure enables the cleaning liquid to penetrate and dissolve the thickened grease that adheres strongly due to its temperature-resistant properties, facilitating easy removal prior to the inspection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enables quick and effective cleaning of rolling bearings by ensuring the grease is removed from all gaps, reducing cleaning time and improving the efficiency of the process compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

arranging a cleaning liquid in a pressurized state on one side in an axial direction of the rolling bearing across a whole circumference thereof with respect to a gap between the rolling elements and the race groove, and cleaning the rolling bearing by passing the cleaning liquid through the gap from one side in the axial direction toward the gap on the other side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11826795B2Method for cleaning rolling bearing and rolling bearing cleaning device

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 JAMCO CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a method for cleaning a rolling bearing and a rolling bearing cleaning device capable of cleaning a rolling bearing easily in a short time. The method for cleaning a rolling bearing including a plurality of rolling elements and a race provided with a race groove along which the rolling elements roll involves arranging a cleaning liquid in a pressurized state on one side in an axial direction of the rolling bearing across a whole circumference thereof with respect to a gap between the rolling elements and the race groove, and cleaning the rolling bearing by passing the cleaning liquid through the gap from one side in the axial direction toward the gap on the other side thereof.