Plain Bearing Crush Height Measurement Using Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the crush height of plain bearings are cumbersome and not suitable for field circumstances, requiring specialized equipment and being inefficient in accurately determining the peripheral length difference under test pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a light source and sensor configured to capture images of the plain bearing shell in different modes, generating data for determining crush height based on the images and housing reference data, with the ability to adjust settings and determine material information and thermal expansion coefficients, allowing for accurate and easy measurement of crush height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional nip checking machine or tool is used to measure bearing peripheral length, then measurement can be performed, but the equipment is cumbersome in size and requires specialized checking blocks making it unsuitable for field circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical measurement system (nip checking machine with physical checking blocks) with an optical measurement system using image capture device and light source. This substitution enables portable, field-friendly measurement while maintaining accuracy through digital image analysis of the bearing shell's projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a visual copy (image) of the bearing shell's physical dimensions and uses this copy for measurement analysis. The image capture device creates a digital representation that can be analyzed to determine outside circumferential length and crush height, replacing the need for physical contact with specialized checking blocks.
2Measurement precision
If bearing peripheral length is measured under test pressure to define nip, then accurate crush height is obtained, but the measurement process becomes complex requiring controlled compression conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the bearing shell's outside circumferential length in the uncompressed state and uses this parameter to calculate crush height. By measuring the dimensional parameter (circumferential length) rather than directly measuring compressed deformation, the system simplifies the measurement process while maintaining accuracy through comparison with the housing bore diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary measurement of the bearing shell's outside circumferential length before installation or compression. This preliminary dimensional data, combined with housing reference data, allows calculation of the expected crush height without requiring actual compression testing during the measurement 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 accurate, efficient, and reliable measurement of crush height, facilitating optimal pairing and installation of plain bearing shells, improving user experience and reducing costs by eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for forming illuminating light to the plain bearing shell; a sensor device configured to capture an image
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining crush height of a plain bearing shell, comprising a light source for forming illuminating light to the plain bearing shell; a sensor device configured to capture an image; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: capture a first image of the plain bearing shell in a first mode, wherein no external compression stress in a circumference direction of the plain bearing shell is formed; generate plain bearing data based on the first captured image; maintain housing reference data comprising at least diameter information of a bore for receiving the plain bearing shell; and determine crush height of the plain bearing shell based on the plain bearing data and the housing reference data.