Rolling Bearing Preload Sleeve for Clearance-Free Concentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tapered rolling bearings face challenges in achieving high runout accuracy and load absorption due to their conical design, which results in additional tolerance summation and limited ability to adjust clearance and concentricity separately, and they require larger space and reduced load dissipation in multiple bearing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tensioning system featuring an axially adjustable sleeve and cavity that allows for continuous preload adjustment around the entire circumference of the rolling bearing outer ring, enabling clearance-free operation and defined preload generation, which can be monitored and adjusted during operation to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tapered rolling bearings are used, then load absorption capability is improved, but runout accuracy deteriorates due to additional tolerance summation from conical design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the bearing into modular components: a standard rolling bearing unit and a separate tensioning device. This segmentation allows the bearing itself to maintain high precision without conical design compromises, while the tensioning device independently provides the necessary preload and load absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device acts as an intermediary component between the bearing and the housing. It introduces a controlled preload force through a tensioning element that can be adjusted axially, thereby achieving the desired load absorption and concentricity without modifying the bearing's inherent precision characteristics.
2Strength
If multiple bearing arrangements with braced bearings are used, then load absorption is improved, but space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple bearings into a single bearing unit by adding a tensioning device. The tensioning element applies circumferential preload around the entire bearing outer ring, enabling one bearing to absorb loads in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby eliminating the need for multiple braced bearing arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device introduces a new dimension of control by applying preload in the radial direction around the entire circumference of the bearing outer ring, rather than only in the axial direction. This circumferential preload capability allows a single bearing to handle loads that would traditionally require multiple bearings arranged in different spatial configurations.
3Strength
If tapered rolling bearings are used, then load absorption is improved, but adjustment of clearance and concentricity separately becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element is designed to be axially adjustable, transforming the static bearing assembly into a dynamic system. The axial position of the tensioning element can be continuously varied to adjust the preload force, enabling separate and independent control of clearance and concentricity while maintaining load absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables independent parameter adjustment by allowing the tensioning element's axial position to be varied. This changes the preload parameter independently of the bearing's geometric parameters, providing versatile adjustment capability for clearance and concentricity without compromising load absorption.
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 achieves high runout accuracy and load absorption with compact design, allowing for early detection of bearing damage and continuous preload adjustment to maintain optimal operating conditions, minimizing wear and ensuring accurate concentricity.
Implementation Method 1
the tensioning device has an axially adjustable tensioning element which can be brought into a first orientation in which the rolling bearing has play, and which can be brought into a second orientation in which the rolling bearing has no play
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing a releasable clearance-free position of a rolling bearing, having a rolling bearing which has an outer ring, an inner ring mounted on a shaft and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, and having a tensioning device mounted on the circumference of the rolling bearing outer ring for generating a radial preload which is uniform over the outer circumference of the rolling bearing outer ring between the tensioning device and the rolling bearing outer ring, wherein the tensioning device has an axially adjustable tensioning element which can be brought into a first alignment in which the rolling bearing has play, and which can be brought into a second alignment in which the rolling bearing is free of play. A corresponding method is also described.