Rolling Bearing Flange Integration for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling bearings require separate connection and retaining devices, leading to increased complexity, reduced space for lubricants, and compromised support force and durability due to the need for smaller components in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A rolling bearing design featuring integrally formed flanges on both the inner and outer rings, eliminating the need for separate connecting elements, allowing for larger bearings and increased lubricant space, with flanges that can be cold-formed, forged, or welded for secure attachment to components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate connection and retaining devices are used to fasten the rolling bearing to other components, then the rolling bearing can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases and the overall space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is integrated directly into the outer ring of the rolling bearing, merging the connection function with the bearing structure. This eliminates separate connection devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate connection and retaining devices are used to fasten the rolling bearing to other components, then the rolling bearing can be securely attached, but the overall space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidoverall space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is integrated directly into the outer ring of the rolling bearing, merging the connection function with the bearing structure. This eliminates separate connection devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the rolling bearing is made smaller to accommodate connection devices in restricted space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the support force and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsupport force and durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is integrated directly into the outer ring of the rolling bearing, merging the connection function with the bearing structure. This eliminates separate connection devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the rolling bearing is made smaller to accommodate connection devices in restricted space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the space for lubricants is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidspace for lubricants
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is integrated directly into the outer ring of the rolling bearing, merging the connection function with the bearing structure. This eliminates separate connection devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Device complexity

If smaller rolling elements are used to reduce the overall size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the support force and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsupport force and durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is integrated directly into the outer ring of the rolling bearing, merging the connection function with the bearing structure. This eliminates separate connection devices and reduces overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easier assembly, maximizes space for lubricants, and enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the bearing design by eliminating the need for additional connecting elements, resulting in improved support and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one flange can be cold-formed or forged with the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold-forming: Cold-forming

Implementation Method 2

the at least one flange can be cold-formed or forged with the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForging:

Implementation Method 3

the at least one flange can be cold-formed or forged with the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS8764303B2Rolling-element bearing comprising a flange
Publication Date: 2014.07.01 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • US8764303B2 patent drawing
  • US8764303B2 patent drawing
  • US8764303B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rolling-element bearing which has at least one inner ring and at least one outer ring. A relative movement is possible between the outer ring and the inner ring, and the at least one outer ring having has at least one flange for fastening to a rotatable component.