Bearing Assembly With Integrated Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-locating bearing assemblies in applications like electrical machines suffer from vibrations and running-in issues due to loosely seated bearing outer rings, which complicate assembly and reduce service life, especially when using light metal housings.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly with a cylindrical support section and integrated spring element that allows axial displacement and centering, featuring a preassembled unit with a radially extending attachment flange and centering means, reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ball bearing assembly is used with a sliding seat between the bearing outer ring and housing bore, then cost is reduced, but vibrations occur and service life is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bearing support as an intermediary component between the bearing outer ring and the housing bore. This bearing support includes a support section with a cylindrical seat surface that receives the bearing outer ring, and it is attached to the housing bore. The bearing support acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the bearing outer ring and the housing bore, thereby eliminating vibrations while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of standard ball bearing assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing outer ring is directly installed in the housing bore, then assembly is simplified, but running-in or embedding occurs especially with light metal housings
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support serves as a protective intermediary between the bearing outer ring and the light metal housing bore. The support section with its cylindrical seat surface provides a suitable mounting surface that prevents direct embedding of the bearing outer ring into the light metal housing, thereby eliminating running-in issues while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spring elements and steel sleeves are added to prevent running-in, then running-in is countered, but assembly complexity increases and specialized personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the bearing support, centering means, and attachment means into a single integrated component. The bearing support includes a support section for receiving the bearing outer ring, centering means for centering relative to the shaft or housing, and attachment means for securing to the housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate spring elements and steel sleeves, reducing assembly complexity while still preventing running-in.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) support for the bearing outer ring, (2) centering function through centering means, (3) attachment function through attachment means, and (4) protection against running-in. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components and specialized assembly procedures.
4Ease of operation
If a preassembled unit with integrated centering means and attachment means is used, then assembly ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing support, centering means, and attachment means into a single preassembled unit that is mounted as one component. The bearing support includes integrated centering means (such as a centering projection or shoulder) and attachment means (such as mounting holes or flanges), allowing the entire assembly to be installed in one operation while maintaining structural simplicity through functional integration.
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 provides a low-vibration, low-wear bearing assembly with a compact design, enhancing assembly ease and reducing logistics and assembly costs, while ensuring effective axial support and vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is disposed on or in the bearing support, which is configured for generating a spring force effective in the axial direction between the bearing support and the bearing ring held by the support section
Implementation Method 2
between the cylindrical seat surface and the cylindrical outer- or inner-surface of the bearing ring a sliding seat is formed, which allows a relative displacing in the axial direction between the support section and the bearing ring
Data Source
AI summary
A non-locating bearing assembly is configured to rotatably support a shaft relative to a housing while permitting relative axial displacement of the shaft relative to the housing. The bearing assembly includes a bearing having inner and outer rings and that is configured for transmitting radial and axial forces, and a bearing support attachable to the housing and including a support section having a partially cylindrical seat surface for receiving one of the inner and outer bearing rings and forming a sliding seat therefor. The sliding seat allows a relative axial displacement between the support section and one of the inner and outer bearing rings. A spring is disposed on or in the bearing support for generating a force in the axial direction between the bearing support and the one of the inner and outer bearing rings, and the spring element is formed from a segment of the bearing support.