Rolling-Element Bearing With Integrated Lubricant Pumping

Solution Overview

Problem

Rolling-element bearings partially surrounded by fluid lubricants face increased friction and power losses due to excess lubricant, which is difficult to control and remove, especially when space for additional seals or shields is limited.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a pumping device within the rolling-element bearing that is attached to a rotating element, allowing for the controlled transport of lubricant into or out of the bearing interior, thereby managing lubricant levels and reducing churning losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If seals or shields are attached from outside to reduce the gap for lubricant penetration, then churning losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases and sufficient space may not be available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechurning lossesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pumping device is integrated directly into the rotating element (inner bearing ring or cage) of the rolling-element bearing, merging the lubricant management function with the existing bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external seals or shields while effectively controlling lubricant penetration and reducing churning losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pumping device attached to the rotating element actively pumps excess lubricant out of the bearing interior during operation. This self-regulating mechanism dynamically controls lubricant levels based on the bearing's rotational state, providing adaptive lubricant management without external intervention or additional complex sealing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If additional seals and shields are attached to reduce lubricant penetration, then churning losses are reduced, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechurning lossesVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pumping device is integrated directly into the rotating element (inner bearing ring or cage) of the rolling-element bearing, merging the lubricant management function with the existing bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external seals or shields while effectively controlling lubricant penetration and reducing churning losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the pumping device is attached to the rotating element, then lubricant can be actively transported in and out of the bearing interior, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant managementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pumping device is integrated directly into the rotating element (inner bearing ring or cage) of the rolling-element bearing, merging the lubricant management function with the existing bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external seals or shields while effectively controlling lubricant penetration and reducing churning losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pumping device attached to the rotating element actively pumps excess lubricant out of the bearing interior during operation. This self-regulating mechanism dynamically controls lubricant levels based on the bearing's rotational state, providing adaptive lubricant management without external intervention or additional complex sealing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 pumping device effectively reduces lubricant-caused power losses by optimizing lubricant supply and removal, even in tight installation spaces, by ensuring the right amount of lubricant is present within the bearing.

Implementation Method 1

a pumping device (18) which is configured to transport the fluid into the rolling-element bearing interior (8) and/or out of the rolling-element bearing interior (8), wherein the pumping device (18) is attached to a rotating element of the rolling-element bearing (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS12234862B2Rolling-element bearing

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rolling-element bearing for a device lubricated with a fluid includes first and second bearing rings defining an interior therebetween in which rolling elements support the first ring for rotation relative to the second ring. A pumping device is located at the interior for pumping the fluid into and/or out of the interior when an element of the rolling-element bearing rotates and the rolling-element bearing is at least partially submerged in the fluid. The pumping device may be a ring having vanes that is attached to the first bearing ring or to a cage of the bearing.