Bearing Unit Axial Force Redirection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional main spindle devices of machine tools face issues with excessive axial forces during tool exchange, leading to indentation problems in bearings due to unclamping forces exceeding allowable limits, requiring complex structures and increased space for support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bearing unit with a transmitting direction shifting mechanism that redirects excessive axial forces from the inner or outer ring to the other member, using spacers to absorb and redirect the force, preventing indentation by changing the force transmission path and maintaining a simple structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an unclamping force support mechanism is added to prevent excessive axial force on the bearing, then the bearing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
A force transmission path switching mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner ring and outer ring of the bearing. This mechanism includes a switching element that can redirect the axial force transmission path from passing through the rolling elements to passing through alternative support structures when excessive axial force is detected, thereby protecting the bearing without requiring complex external support mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing unit incorporates a self-protecting mechanism where the force transmission path switching mechanism automatically activates when excessive axial force is applied to the bearing. The mechanism uses the axial force itself as the trigger signal to switch the transmission path, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring bearing reliability
2Reliability
If an unclamping force support mechanism is added to prevent excessive axial force on the bearing, then the bearing reliability is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path switching mechanism is nested within the existing bearing structure, with the switching element positioned in the axial direction between the inner and outer rings. This nested arrangement allows the protective mechanism to occupy minimal additional space while providing full functionality, avoiding the need for separate external support structures that would increase overall device volume
3Device complexity
If the axial force is transmitted through the rolling elements, then the bearing structure is simple, but the rolling elements may be damaged by excessive axial force
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure incorporates a dynamic force transmission path switching mechanism that can adaptively change the load transmission path based on the magnitude of axial force. When axial force is within normal limits, the force is transmitted through the rolling elements maintaining structural simplicity. When excessive axial force is detected, the switching element dynamically redirects the force path to alternative support structures, protecting the rolling elements from damage
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 solution effectively prevents excessive axial force from acting on the rolling elements, thereby preventing indentation and reducing the need for complex structures and increased space, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
it is structured so that the elastic deformation amount of the inner ring, the outer ring, the rolling elements and the inner ring spacer becomes to a level that the inner ring abuts onto the outer ring spacer when the axial force acting on the inner ring becomes to the predetermined value or above
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing unit capable of withstanding a large axial force based on a simple structure including: a bearing 10 having an internal ring 13 fitted to an inside member 2, an outer ring 14 fitted to an outside member 6, lots of rolling elements 15 disposed between the outer ring 14 and the inner ring 13; and a transmitting direction shifting means A transmitting an axial force F from the inner ring 13 to the outside member 6 when the axial force F transmitted from the inside member 2 to the internal ring 13 exceeds a predetermined value or above, and a main spindle device of a machine tool, which is provided with the bearing unit, are provided.