Sealed Rolling Bearing Power Generation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling element bearings face challenges in integrating power generation functionality without compromising their sealing function or increasing size, as previous designs often require modifying the seal or locating power generators outside standard dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A sealed rolling element bearing design that incorporates a power generating means, such as a magnetic ring and pick-up elements, within the sealing ring, allowing for simultaneous power harvesting and sealing without altering the bearing's geometry, with the pick-up elements being completely embedded within the sealing ring to ensure reliability and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a power generating device is integrated into a sealed rolling bearing, then electrical power can be generated from rotational energy, but the sealing function may be compromised and the bearing size may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidsealing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing ring and power generating means into a single integrated component. The sealing ring includes both sealing lips for preventing contaminant ingress and pick-up elements (coils) for generating electrical power through electromagnetic induction with the magnetic ring, thereby merging two previously separate functions into one unified structure that maintains sealing integrity while enabling power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing action through its lips against the second ring element, generates electrical power through the pick-up elements interacting with the magnetic ring, and maintains the structural integrity of the bearing assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power generation components that would compromise sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a power generating device is integrated into a sealed rolling bearing, then electrical power can be generated from rotational energy, but the bearing dimensions may exceed standard ISO sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidbearing dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power generating components (magnetic ring and pick-up elements) are nested within the existing bearing structure. The magnetic ring is positioned on the second ring element while the pick-up elements are embedded in the sealing ring, utilizing the internal space of the bearing without requiring external attachments or increasing the overall bearing envelope dimensions beyond standard ISO sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Use of energy by moving object

If holes or apertures are made in the seal to introduce power generators, then power generation functionality is achieved, but the sealing function is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidsealing integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating openings in the seal, the patent integrates the power generating pick-up elements directly into the sealing ring structure. The coils are embedded within the sealing ring material itself, allowing the seal to remain continuous and intact while still enabling electromagnetic induction between the pick-up elements and the magnetic ring, thus maintaining sealing integrity without compromising power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables the generation of electrical power from rotational energy while maintaining the bearing's sealing functionality and standard dimensions, enhancing reliability and reducing the risk of dirt and lubricant exposure to the power generation components.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing ring comprises a power generating means which presents at least one pick-up element arranged to generate electrical power when the rolling element bearing rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10458476B2Rolling element bearing

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rolling element bearing having a first ring element, a second ring element (3), a plurality of rolling elements arranged in a space between the first and the second ring elements such that the first and the second ring elements can rotate relative each other around a rotational axle. The bearing further includes a sealing ring for sealing off a circumferential opening of the space between the first and the second ring element. The sealing ring is connected to the first ring element and further arranged to rotate relative the second ring element of the rolling element bearing. The sealing ring provides a power generating system that provides at least one pick-up element arranged to generate electrical power when the rolling element bearing rotates. The power generating system is located completely within the circumferential opening of the space.