Bearing Assembly With Inductive Power for Embedded Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing energy supply systems for sensors in plain bearings face challenges due to environmental and mechanical conditions, such as temperature increases and rotating components, which affect the reliability and efficiency of energy generation and sensor operation.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement with a loop-shaped electrical conductor and a permanent magnet, where the conductor and magnet are positioned on opposing components that move relative to each other, allowing for efficient energy generation and placement of the energy generating device away from problematic areas, enabling easy retrofitting and upgrading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the energy generation device is placed within the bearing assembly to provide autonomous power to sensors, then the sensors can be continuously powered without external connections, but the energy generation device is exposed to harsh environmental conditions including high temperatures and mechanical stress that reduce its reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation device is segmented into two separate components: a loop-shaped electrical conductor arranged on one component and a permanent magnet arranged on another component. These segments are positioned on different parts of the bearing assembly, allowing them to be spatially separated from the harshest environmental conditions while maintaining functional integration through their relative movement during bearing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension of the bearing assembly to position the electrical conductor and permanent magnet on different components that move relative to each other along the axial direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the energy generation elements to be distributed in space, reducing their exposure to concentrated thermal and mechanical stress while enabling electromagnetic energy generation through their relative motion.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in or close to the lubrication gap for direct measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors are exposed to harsh environmental conditions that affect their operation and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy generation mechanism (electromagnetic induction system) that powers sensors without requiring them to be physically located in the harsh lubrication gap. The loop-shaped conductor and permanent magnet act as intermediaries, converting mechanical energy from bearing operation into electrical energy that can be used to power sensors positioned in more favorable locations, thus decoupling the sensors from direct exposure to harmful environmental conditions.
3Extent of automation
If the energy generation device is integrated into the bearing assembly, then autonomous power supply is achieved, but the design complexity of the bearing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a multi-functional energy generation system into the bearing assembly that serves dual purposes: it generates electrical energy to power sensors while simultaneously utilizing the existing mechanical motion of the bearing components. The loop-shaped electrical conductor and permanent magnet are arranged on components that already move relative to each other during normal bearing operation, allowing the same mechanical motion to perform both its original function and drive the energy generation process, thus adding autonomy without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This solution provides a reliable and efficient energy supply to sensors, improving operational reliability and allowing for monitoring of operating parameters without significant design changes, while simplifying the energy generating device design and enhancing energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
the energy generation device comprises at least one loop-shaped electrical conductor and at least one permanent magnet, wherein the electrical conductor is arranged on the first component and the permanent magnet is arranged on the second component, such that the loop-shaped electrical conductor and the permanent magnet can be repeatedly brought into an opposite position by the repeatable relative movement of the two components to each other
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing assembly (1) with a consumer (4) of electrical power and at least one power generation device, wherein the bearing assembly (1) comprises a first component (5) and a second component (7) which are arranged to be repeatedly movable relative to one another. The power generation device has at least one electrical conductor (8) arranged in a loop and at least one permanent magnet (9), wherein the electrical conductor (8) is arranged on the first component (5) and the permanent magnet (9) is arranged on the second component (7).