Rolling Bearing Abnormality Detector with Magnetic Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling bearing systems fail to reliably prevent foreign matter such as iron dust from entering operation mechanisms through lubricating oil circulation paths, leading to potential damage and malfunction, as previous detection methods are inefficient in capturing larger foreign objects.

Innovation Solution

An abnormality detector system comprising a filter with permanent magnets as electrodes, an electric circuit, and an output detector to detect changes in electrical output when metal pieces adhere between the magnets, preventing foreign matter from passing through while allowing lubricating oil to flow, and a seal member with filters to catch foreign matter before it reaches operation mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnets are mounted to a sensor in the circulation path to detect foreign matter, then foreign matter can be detected when it accumulates on the magnets, but most foreign objects may pass by the magnets without being attracted, and only a small amount of foreign matter is caught for detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter detection capabilityVSAvoidforeign matter prevention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the protection function into two segments: a filter that physically blocks foreign matter from entering the circulation path, and magnets that detect foreign matter that passes through or bypasses the filter. This segmentation ensures both prevention and detection capabilities work together to reliably stop foreign matter from reaching operation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter acts as an intermediary between the foreign matter and the circulation path, intercepting foreign matter before it can reach the magnets or operation mechanisms. The magnets serve as another intermediary that provides a safety net by detecting any foreign matter that bypasses the filter, creating multiple layers of protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter is added to prevent foreign matter from passing through, then foreign matter can be blocked, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter prevention reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the filter and magnet detection system into a single integrated unit that can be installed at the bearing outlet. The filter is positioned to block foreign matter, while magnets are mounted on the filter structure itself, allowing both functions to work together in one compact assembly rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter structure serves multiple functions: it physically blocks foreign matter from entering the circulation path, provides a mounting structure for the magnets, and acts as part of the detection system by directing foreign matter toward the magnets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively prevents foreign matter from entering operation mechanisms, detects abnormal states in rolling bearings, and protects components by ensuring the reliability of the lubricating oil flow, thereby preventing malfunctions and damage.

Implementation Method 1

an abnormality detector comprising: a filter configured to prevent metal pieces contained in lubricating oil flowing through a bearing space of a rolling bearing from passing through the filter, while allowing the lubricating oil to pass through the filter; an electric circuit including a pair of electrodes, and lines extending from the respective electrodes to a power source; and an output detector configured to detect a change in electrical output from the electric circuit when metal pieces adhere between the pair of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an electric circuit including a pair of electrodes, and lines extending from the respective electrodes to a power source; and an output detector configured to detect a change in electrical output from the electric circuit when metal pieces adhere between the pair of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10359077B2Rolling bearing with abnormality detector

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 NTN CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides an abnormality detector for a rolling bearing including an outer race, and an inner race. The abnormality detector includes a filter configured to prevent metal pieces contained in lubricating oil flowing through the bearing space between the outer and inner races from passing through the filter, while allowing the lubricating oil to pass through the filter so as to flow to the outside space of the bearing space; an electric circuit including a pair of permanent magnets mounted, as a pair of electrodes, to the filter so as to be spaced apart from each other, and lines extending from the respective electrodes to a power source; and an output detector configured to detect a change in electrical output from the electric circuit when metal pieces adhere between the pair of permanent magnets, thereby detecting the state of metal pieces contained in the lubricating oil.