Bearing Locking Nut Assembly for Consistent Preload Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for preloading bearings struggle to maintain consistent preload during operation while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, often resulting in loose fastening or difficulty in controlling the preload amount.
Innovation Solution
A locking system comprising two nuts arranged on a shaft with locking screws threaded through aligned holes to apply torque in the axial direction, ensuring a balanced and adjustable preload, allowing for reliable fastening and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single nut is used to apply preload to the bearing, then the structure is simple, but the preload cannot be maintained consistently during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single nut is divided into two separate nuts (first nut and second nut) positioned at different locations on the shaft. The first nut applies preload to the bearing while the second nut serves as a locking element with through-holes for locking screws. This segmentation allows the preload application function and the locking function to be separated, enabling consistent preload maintenance during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first nut is pre-adjusted to apply the required preload to the bearing before the second nut and locking screws are installed. This preliminary action ensures that the bearing is preloaded to the correct specification before being locked in place, preventing any change in preload during subsequent operation.
2Reliability
If a locking structure with multiple nuts and locking screws is used, then the preload can be maintained consistently, but the assembly and disassembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is segmented into modular components (first nut, second nut, and locking screws) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The through-holes in the second nut are positioned to align with corresponding holes in the first nut, allowing locking screws to be easily inserted without complex alignment procedures, thus simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking screws act as intermediary elements that connect the first nut and second nut. By providing through-holes in both nuts that can be aligned, the locking screws serve as a simple mediating mechanism that secures the preload without requiring complex fastening procedures, making assembly and disassembly straightforward.
3Reliability
If the preload amount is increased to improve bearing performance, then the bearing lifetime may be reduced due to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The preload amount is controlled by adjusting parameters such as the tightening torque of the first nut and the positioning of the second nut relative to the first nut. By carefully selecting these parameters, the preload can be optimized to improve bearing performance while maintaining stress levels within safe limits, thus balancing performance and lifetime.
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 system effectively maintains a consistent preload during bearing operation, balancing lifetime and performance while providing flexibility in mounting environments, with the ability to adjust preload without altering the locking structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking screw adapted to be screwed at least through a first through hole of the second nut and a second through hole of the first nut while the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned with each other, to thereby apply a force to a bearing on the shaft along an axial direction of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
the first nut is adapted to be screwed onto the shaft to apply a first torque to the bearing along the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
the at least one locking screw is adapted to be screwed through the first through hole and the second through hole to apply a second torque to the bearing along the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system and a manufacturing method thereof, a bearing assembly, and a robot having the same. The locking system incudes a first nut arranged on a shaft and adapted to contact with an upper side of an inner ring of the bearing. The locking system can also include a second nut arranged on the shaft and separated from the first nut at a predetermined distance. The locking system can include a locking screw adapted to be screwed through a first through hole of the second nut and a second through hole of the first nut while the first through hole and the second through hole are aligned with each other.