Bearing Assembly Intermediate Ring Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing arrangements with rotating shafts experience deformation due to varying loads, leading to increased wear and reduced service life, as the deformation causes the guide ribs of the inner rings to press against each other, resulting in excessive pressure on the rolling elements.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement featuring a first and second roller bearing with an intermediate ring positioned between them, where the intermediate ring has a maximum outer diameter smaller than the inner rings' running surfaces, creating a gap between the guide ribs to prevent them from pressing against each other during shaft deformation, thus reducing wear and extending service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If no intermediate ring is used between the inner rings of the roller bearings, then the axial space is minimized, but the guide ribs press against each other during shaft deformation causing increased wear and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate ring is introduced between the inner rings of the two roller bearings to act as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the guide ribs during shaft deformation. This intermediary component absorbs the deformation stresses and eliminates the harmful pressing action between guide ribs, thereby extending bearing service life without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement is segmented by dividing the space between inner rings into distinct zones: the intermediate ring creates separation between the two roller bearing inner rings, allowing independent movement and deformation accommodation for each bearing while preventing guide rib contact
2Reliability
If an intermediate ring is added between the inner rings of the roller bearings, then wear is reduced and service life is increased, but additional axial space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring's dimensions are optimized by adjusting its axial thickness and radial profile to provide sufficient spacing for deformation accommodation while minimizing axial space consumption. The ring's geometric parameters are carefully selected to balance wear protection functionality with compact axial footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate ring is designed with a thin axial profile that functions as a flexible spacer, providing the necessary deformation clearance between inner rings while occupying minimal axial space. The ring's slender geometry allows it to flex and accommodate shaft deformation without requiring significant axial dimension
3Ease of manufacture
If the guide ribs are allowed to contact during shaft deformation, then the bearing arrangement is simpler, but excessive pressure on rolling elements causes increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring is positioned in advance between the inner rings to provide cushioning protection before shaft deformation occurs. It pre-establishes a protective barrier that prevents guide rib contact and rolling element overload during subsequent deformation events, thereby reducing wear without complicating the assembly process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A bearing arrangement 100 comprises a first rolling bearing 110, a second rolling bearing 120, and an intermediate ring 130. The first rolling bearing 110 includes an inner ring 112, which can be connected to a shaft 102 in a rotationally fixed manner. The inner ring 112 of the first rolling bearing 110 has a running surface 114 for rolling elements 116 of the first rolling bearing 110. The second rolling bearing 120 comprises an inner ring 122, which can be connected to the shaft 102 in a rotationally fixed manner. The inner ring 122 of the second rolling bearing 120 has a running surface 124 for rolling elements 126 of the second rolling bearing 120. The intermediate ring 130 is arranged in the axial direction between the inner ring 12 of the first rolling bearing 110 and the inner ring 122 of the second rolling bearing 120.Furthermore, the intermediate ring 130 has a maximum outer diameter 132, which is smaller than a maximum diameter of the running surface 114 of the inner ring 112 of the first rolling bearing 110 and smaller than a maximum diameter of the running surface 124 of the inner ring 122 of the second rolling bearing 120.