Rolling Bearing Pre-load Structure Using Plate Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-load application structures for rolling bearings in three-dimensional survey devices face challenges in accurate control and cost-effectiveness due to complex shapes and limited elastic deformation, leading to potential imbalances and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising an engaging member, a plate spring, and a joining member, where the plate spring is an independent component with adjustable elasticity, allowing for easier pre-load control and reduced production complexity by using general-purpose materials and simpler shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastic member such as a waved washer is used to apply pre-load to the bearing, then the pre-load can be adjusted by changing the thickness or elastic deformation amount, but the elastic member may rotate and contact the outer ring at a part different from the expected part, changing the applied condition of the pre-load and causing change in accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is divided into three separate functional components: a sleeve part (for engagement with bearing), a plate spring part (for elastic deformation and pre-load application), and an outer peripheral annular part (for structural support). This segmentation ensures that each part performs its specific function independently, preventing the elastic member from rotating relative to the bearing and ensuring accurate pre-load application.
2Device complexity
If the lid member is integrally formed with a plate spring part, then the structure is simplified, but the plate spring part exhibits small elastic deformation and has a small adjusting range for pre-load
Solution Approach 1:
The lid member is segmented into separate parts including a plate spring part that can be independently designed with optimized thickness and material properties. This allows the plate spring part to exhibit sufficient elastic deformation and provide a wide adjusting range for pre-load, while the other parts (sleeve and outer peripheral annular parts) provide structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness of the plate spring part is specifically optimized to enable sufficient elastic deformation. By changing the thickness parameter of the plate spring part to an appropriate value, the adjusting range for pre-load is significantly increased compared to integrally formed structures where the entire lid member must maintain structural rigidity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple washers with different thicknesses are prepared to adjust pre-load, then the pre-load control precision is improved, but the production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple discrete washers with different thicknesses, the invention uses a single plate spring part whose thickness is optimized to provide the required elastic deformation. The pre-load control is achieved by adjusting the elastic deformation of the plate spring part through controlled bending during assembly, eliminating the need for multiple precision-manufactured washer components.
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
This solution enables more precise and cost-effective pre-load control with increased elastic deformation, reducing the need for multiple washers and simplifying production, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
the plate spring elastically deforms, and the elasticity of the plate spring applies a pre-load to the outer ring via the engaging member
Data Source
AI summary
A structure applies a pre-load to a rolling bearing, which makes pre-load control easier than heretofore and enables low cost production. A pre-load applying structure is configured to apply a pre-load to a bearing of a scanning part of a three-dimensional survey device. The three-dimensional survey device includes the bearing having an inner ring to which a vertically rotating shaft is fixed, a scanning mirror attached to the vertically rotating shaft, and a motor for rotationally driving the vertically driving shaft. The pre-load applying structure has a sleeve that engages with an outer ring of the bearing, a plate spring that detachably engages with the sleeve and is fastened to a housing body with a screw, and a ring that detachably join the sleeve and the plate spring. The plate spring applies the pre-load to the outer ring via the sleeve by elastic deforming.