Bearing Preload Gearbox With Stationary Reaction Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearing preload devices require significant power and space to accurately measure bearing preload, often relying on bearing housing reaction torque, which limits their efficiency and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A bearing preload apparatus comprising a gearbox assembly, coupling assembly, and sensor assembly that measures reaction torque relative to a stationary structure, utilizing a gearbox with planetary gears and piezoelectric force transducers to apply and measure preload torque independently of the bearing housing, reducing power consumption and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bearing preload devices measure bearing housing reaction torque, then bearing preload can be determined, but power consumption and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement function by separating the torque sensor from the bearing housing. The torque sensor is mounted on the stationary structure to measure reaction torque directly at the mounting interface, eliminating the need for complex measurement systems integrated into the rotating bearing housing assembly. This segmentation reduces power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary structure serves as an intermediary element that provides a stable reference point for torque measurement. By mounting the torque sensor between the bearing preload device and the stationary structure, the system measures reaction torque through this intermediary interface, avoiding the need for high-power measurement systems within the rotating components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional bearing preload devices measure bearing housing reaction torque, then bearing preload can be determined, but device size and space occupancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented and relocated to the stationary mounting structure rather than being integrated into the bearing housing. This allows the measurement system to be compact and distributed, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque measurement is transferred to a different spatial dimension - from the rotating bearing housing to the stationary mounting interface. This dimensional shift allows for a more compact arrangement where the torque sensor can be mounted on the stationary structure, reducing the space required in the rotating assembly area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If bearing preload is measured independent of the bearing housing, then power consumption and space requirements are reduced, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary structure acts as an intermediary that provides a stable, high-stiffness reference for torque measurement. By mounting the torque sensor on the stationary structure, the system benefits from the structural rigidity and stability of the fixed mounting, which enhances measurement accuracy while enabling the simplified, low-power measurement architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems integrated into the bearing housing with a simpler torque sensor mounted on the stationary structure. This substitution maintains measurement accuracy by directly measuring the reaction torque at the mounting interface, where structural stability is highest, while reducing overall system complexity and power requirements.
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
Enables accurate bearing preload with reduced power usage and space occupancy, allowing for efficient and precise application of clamping forces to bearings, such as tapered roller bearings, while minimizing the impact on the bearing housing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors are piezoelectric force transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing preload apparatus may include a gearbox assembly, a coupling assembly, and a sensor assembly. The gearbox assembly may include a gearbox housing, a first shaft and a second shaft. The first and second shafts may extend out of the housing and may be rotatable simultaneously with each other at different speeds. The coupling assembly may include a first driver coupling connected to the first shaft and a second driver coupling connected to the second shaft. The sensor assembly may be mounted to a stationary structure and the gearbox housing. The sensor assembly may measure a reaction torque of the gearbox assembly relative to the stationary structure.