Integrated Circuit Coating on Rolling Bearing Surface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling bearings with electrical circuits face space constraints and are not adequately protected from environmental influences, as they rely on bulky circuit carriers.

Innovation Solution

A rolling bearing with an integrated electrical circuit featuring a first insulating layer, a conductive layer with conductor tracks and contact points, and a protective second insulating layer, applied using established coating methods, eliminating the need for a separate circuit carrier and providing environmental protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a circuit carrier with an electrical metal core is used for the electrical circuit, then the electrical circuit can be implemented, but the circuit carrier takes up a lot of space in the rolling bearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical circuit functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the separate circuit carrier component from the rolling bearing system. Instead of using a traditional circuit carrier with metal core, the invention integrates the electrical circuit directly onto the rolling bearing surface through coating layers, removing the bulky carrier structure while maintaining electrical circuit functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical circuit with the rolling bearing itself by applying insulating and conductive coating layers directly onto the bearing surface. This integration combines the bearing function with the electrical circuit function into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate circuit carrier components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the electrical circuit is integrated directly on the rolling bearing surface, then installation space is minimized, but the electrical components need protection from environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidenvironmental protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin film coating layers (insulating layers and conductive layers) applied directly onto the rolling bearing surface to create the electrical circuit. These thin films provide both the electrical functionality and environmental protection, serving as a compact barrier against moisture, particles, and other environmental factors while maintaining minimal installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures consisting of multiple coating layers (insulating layers and conductive layers) with different functional properties. The insulating layers provide environmental protection and electrical isolation, while the conductive layers provide electrical conductivity for the circuit traces, creating a multi-functional composite structure that addresses both space constraints and environmental protection requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 minimizes installation space, ensures a secure connection, and offers cost-effectiveness while protecting the electrical components from environmental factors, enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrically insulating layer (5) is applied directly to at least one surface section (3) of the rolling bearing (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

a first electrically conductive layer (7) is provided over the first electrically insulating layer (5), which layer has a plurality of conductor tracks (9) with contact points (11) for electrical contacting of electrical components (6a, 6b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Implementation Method 3

at least one second electrically insulating layer (15) is applied directly to the at least one surface section (3) of the rolling bearing (1), which layer carries at least one second electrically conductive and structured layer (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating: Coatings

Implementation Method 4

The at least one second electrically insulating layer (15) thus fulfills a protective function of the at least one second electrically conductive and structured layer (17) against particles and liquids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3189242B1Rolling bearing comprising an electric circuit, and method for producing an electric circuit for a rolling bearing
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3189242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3189242B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A rolling bearing (1) comprising an electric circuit (10) is disclosed. According to the invention, a first electrically insulating layer (5) is applied directly to at least one surface portion (3) of the rolling bearing (1). A first electrically conductive layer (7) which includes a plurality of conductor paths (9) with contact points (11) for electrically contacting electric components (6a, 6b) is provided on top of the first electrically insulating layer (5).