Angular Ball Bearing Vibration Sensing at the Contact Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antifriction bearings lack effective methods for early detection of damage, which can lead to unexpected failures and downtime in machinery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor unit within the bearing rings, particularly in the region of the contact angle, to detect vibrations through frequency analysis, allowing for early detection of damage and integration without affecting the bearing's geometry or weight, using sensors like acceleration sensors or strain gauges, and embedding them within the bearing material for reliable detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor unit is integrated into the bearing ring, then damage detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is merged with the bearing ring structure, integrating the sensing function directly into the bearing component. This combination allows damage detection without adding separate external monitoring systems, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing ring serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bearing operation and simultaneously acts as a mounting structure for the sensor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, addressing the contradiction between improved detection capability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged in the contact angle region, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is specifically positioned in the contact angle region where vibration signals are most pronounced for damage detection. This localized placement optimizes measurement precision by concentrating sensing capability where it is most needed, rather than requiring uniform precision throughout the entire bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is pre-positioned in the contact angle region during the bearing manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures optimal sensor placement for maximum measurement precision while allowing the manufacturing process to establish precise positioning as part of the standard production sequence, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If the sensor unit is embedded in the bearing ring, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is nested within the bearing ring structure, with the sensor housing integrated into the bearing ring material. This nesting approach improves reliability by securing the sensor unit firmly within the bearing structure, preventing displacement or damage during operation, while the integrated design allows the sensor to be incorporated as part of the bearing manufacturing process.
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 precise and reliable detection of bearing damage, facilitating early intervention, maintaining the bearing's structural integrity and weight, while simplifying replacement and integration, and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor which is provided at least for the detection of vibrations within the antifriction bearing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on an antifriction bearing, in particular an angular ball bearing, comprising two bearing rings (12a-e, 14a-e) and a plurality of rolling elements (16a-e), which are arranged between the bearing rings (12a-e, 14a-e) and held by means of a bearing cage (18a-e), and comprising at least one sensor unit (20a-e), which includes at least one sensor (22a-e) provided at least for the detection of vibrations within the antifiction bearing (10a-e).It is provided that said at least one sensor (22a-e) is arranged in the region of a contact angle (24a-e) within one of the bearing rings (12a-e, 14a-e).