Quick-Release Bearing Locking Ring for Shaft Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing bearings to shafts are time-consuming and cause deformations, limiting their placement to only the beginning or end of the shaft, and require significant force for assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A bearing design featuring disc springs on the inner ring and a conical retaining ring that allows balls to apply radial force on the shaft for easy fixation and loosening by axial movement, utilizing disc springs to compress and decompress the retaining ring to engage and disengage the balls with the shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screwing or slot methods are used to fix bearings to shafts, then the bearing can be securely fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and causes deformations on the shaft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring is designed to be movable along the shaft axis, transitioning between a locked position where it secures the bearing and a unlocked position where it allows easy removal. This dynamic positioning enables quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure fixation during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is divided into a conical portion and a cylindrical portion with different functions. The conical portion engages with the bearing races to provide axial retention, while the cylindrical portion provides radial support. This segmentation allows the retaining ring to achieve secure fixation without requiring time-consuming fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If integral fixing systems are used at the beginning or end of the shaft, then the bearing can be firmly attached, but the shaft cannot be deformed and bearings cannot be fixed at other positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment firmnessVSAvoidplacement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring design allows bearings to be fixed at any position along the shaft, not just at the ends. The retaining ring can be positioned axially to secure bearings at multiple locations, providing universal applicability while maintaining firm attachment through its conical-cylindrical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If significant force is applied to assemble or disassemble bearings, then the bearing can be securely fixed or removed, but the shaft and bearing components may be damaged and the process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing securityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining ring acts as an intermediary component between the bearing and the shaft. It provides a mechanical advantage through its conical geometry, allowing secure fixation to be achieved with minimal applied force. The retaining ring distributes the locking force evenly, preventing damage to the shaft and bearing while enabling easy assembly and disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables quick and effortless fixing and loosening of the bearing on any desired area of the shaft without causing deformations, reducing assembly and disassembly time and allowing for flexible placement along the shaft.

Implementation Method 1

disc springs (4) which allow the retaining ring (2) to exert pressure on the retaining balls (3) by applying axial force on the retaining ring (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the retaining ring (2) is placed on the inner ring (1) in a way that its conical part faces the ball slots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConical geometry force transformation: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3461280B1A bearing which can be quickly assembled and disassembled
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 ORTADOGU RULMAN SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3461280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3461280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3461280B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bearing which can be fixed to a shaft by tightening the balls placed in the slots opened on the inner bearing ring with the retaining ring. The bearing of the present invention comprises; an inner ring (1) on the outside of the outer ring (5), with slots (6) opened for the retaining balls (3) to be placed, a retaining ring (2) with a conical inner part, which enables the retaining balls (3) to exert pressure on the shaft, retaining balls (3) which allow the inner ring (1) to be retained by moving radially due to the force applied onto it by the retaining ring (2) and disc springs (4) which allow the retaining ring (2) to exert pressure on the retaining balls (3) by applying axial force on the retaining ring (2).