Bearing Guide Groove Geometry for Mixed-Diameter Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing designs with rollers of different diameters lack clear specifications for the radial position and width of the groove for smaller diameter rollers, leading to potential damage from increased rolling resistance and collision with the groove wall.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design that includes an inner ring case, an outer ring case with an annular guide groove, and rollers of different diameters, where the guide groove's width and radius are specifically designed to prevent smaller rollers from moving beyond the axial centers of larger rollers, reducing rolling resistance and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If smaller diameter rollers are arranged in an annular groove without specific dimensional constraints, then the bearing structure is simplified and roller arrangement is flexible, but the smaller rollers may move to radially outer spaces causing increased rolling resistance and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific dimensional relationships between the guide groove and rollers. The groove width W is set to be greater than the diameter d2 of smaller rollers (W > d2), and the groove radius R1 is constrained to be less than the distance from bearing axis to axial center of larger rollers plus radius of smaller rollers (R1 < r1 + d2/2). These parameter constraints prevent smaller rollers from moving to radially outer spaces while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary structure between the rollers and the bearing outer ring. By designing the groove with specific dimensional parameters, it serves as a mediator that guides and constrains the smaller rollers, preventing them from moving to harmful positions while still allowing necessary movement for bearing operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smaller diameter rollers are allowed to move freely in the groove, then the bearing adapts better to load variations, but rolling resistance increases due to contact between larger diameter rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the groove dimensions to balance adaptability and energy loss. The groove width W > d2 allows smaller rollers to move for load adaptation, while the constrained groove radius R1 < r1 + d2/2 prevents them from reaching positions where they would cause larger rollers to contact, thus reducing power loss from increased rolling resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the groove radius is increased to allow greater roller movement, then load adaptability improves, but smaller rollers may collide with the outer wall causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by setting an optimal upper limit for the groove radius parameter. By constraining R1 < r1 + d2/2, the design allows sufficient roller movement for load adaptation while ensuring that smaller rollers cannot reach the outer wall position where collision damage would occur. This parameter constraint creates a safe operating envelope for roller movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An outer ring case includes an annular guide groove housing an end of each of a plurality of inner rollers. A groove width representing a radial length of the guide groove is greater than a diameter of each inner roller. A radius representing a distance from a bearing axis to an inner wall face of the guide groove that is radially outer is smaller than a distance from the bearing axis to an axial center of each of rollers plus a radius of each inner roller.