Bearing Unit Sealing With Locking Collar for Contaminant Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing units in agricultural applications lack adequate protection against external contaminants, particularly plant fibers, due to the absence of a second axially outer metal shield, leading to increased axial size and compatibility issues with eccentric locking collars.
Innovation Solution
A novel sealing device integrates the locking collar with the sealing system, utilizing a metal shield and elastomeric component with lips that create a labyrinth and direct contact with the locking collar to enhance protection, reducing axial dimensions and improving sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a second axially outer metal shield is added to protect against contaminants, then protection against external contaminants is improved, but axial size increases and compatibility with eccentric locking collars deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing device with the locking collar by integrating the locking collar into the sealing system. The locking collar directly contacts the sealing lips, eliminating the need for a separate second shield while maintaining contaminant protection and reducing axial size.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is given dual functionality: it performs both the locking function and the sealing function. By making the locking collar part of the sealing system, it protects against contaminants without requiring additional components, thus avoiding axial size increase.
2Reliability
If the number of contacting sealing lips is increased to improve sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but axial size increases and compatibility with eccentric locking collars deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is merged with the locking collar system, where the locking collar itself becomes part of the sealing mechanism. This integration allows effective sealing with fewer lips since the locking collar provides additional sealing contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar serves multiple functions including locking and sealing. By making the locking collar contact the sealing lips, it contributes to sealing performance without requiring additional sealing lips that would increase axial size.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate second shield is used for protection, then protection against plant fibers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function with the existing locking collar rather than adding a separate second shield. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining protection against plant fibers and other contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking collar is designed to perform both locking and protective sealing functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing device complexity while maintaining protection against harmful factors.
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 integrated sealing system effectively prevents external contaminants, enhances sealing performance, and reduces the axial size of the bearing unit, thereby extending its service life and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The gasket is provided with at least one contacting or non-contacting sealing lip that forms a seal by means of sliding contact with the other ring of the bearing unit
Implementation Method 2
The gasket is provided with at least one contacting or non-contacting sealing lip that forms a seal by means of sliding contact with the other ring of the bearing unit, or by means of a labyrinth formed with the same ring
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing unit (10) has a radially outer ring (31), a radially inner ring (33), an eccentric locking collar (40), a row of rolling bodies (32), and a sealing device (50). The sealing device (50) is arranged on the same side as the locking collar (40) and is interposed between the radially inner ring (33), the radially outer ring (31) and the locking collar (40). The sealing device (50) includes a metal shield (55) stably connected to the radially outer ring (31), and an elastomeric component (60) co-molded on the shield (55) in a radially inward direction. The elastomeric component (60) has a plurality of lips, of which at least one lip (64, 65) is in contact with the locking collar (40).