Bearing Raceway Imaging Mount for Undistorted Perimeter Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for recording images of bearing raceways often result in distorted views due to the conventional method of capturing images along the central axis, which can obscure defects and wear patterns, making it difficult to accurately assess the condition of rolling element bearings.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a movable frame and optical imager that angularly displaces about the bearing's central axis, allowing the lens to be positioned axially between the raceway ends and facing perpendicular to the raceway, enabling the capture of a series of images as the frame rotates, thereby avoiding distortion and providing a panoramic view of the raceway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a camera is positioned along the central axis of the bearing ring to take a single image of the entire raceway, then the entire raceway can be captured in one image, but the view of the raceway becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway is divided into multiple arcuate segments, with each segment captured in a separate image by the optical imager as it rotates about the bearing central axis. This segmentation allows each individual segment to be imaged accurately without distortion, while collectively covering the entire raceway perimeter through multiple discrete image captures that are later assembled into a comprehensive view.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging approach transitions from a single axial viewpoint to a multi-angular circumferential scanning approach. The optical imager rotates about the bearing central axis, capturing images from multiple angular positions around the raceway. This dimensional change from static axial imaging to dynamic circumferential imaging eliminates distortion by maintaining perpendicular orientation to each imaged segment while covering the entire raceway area.
2Productivity
If a single image is taken of the entire raceway from the central axis, then the inspection process is simple and quick, but defects and wear patterns are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system transitions from a static single-position capture to a dynamic multi-position scanning process. The optical imager rotates about the bearing central axis, dynamically capturing multiple images of different arcuate segments at various angular positions. This dynamic approach maintains inspection efficiency through automated rotation and sequential imaging while dramatically improving defect detection by providing multiple clear, undistorted views of the entire raceway perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation drive continuously moves the optical imager through multiple angular positions around the bearing, ensuring uninterrupted coverage of the entire raceway perimeter. This continuous rotational action eliminates gaps in inspection while maintaining consistent imaging quality across all segments, allowing for complete and efficient detection of defects and wear patterns throughout the entire raceway.
3Measurement precision
If the optical imager is positioned perpendicular to the raceway and rotated about the central axis, then accurate undistorted images of the raceway are obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating frame structure serves multiple functions: it positions the optical imager perpendicular to the raceway surface, enables circumferential rotation about the bearing central axis, and supports the driven roller mechanism for precise angular displacement. This multi-functional design achieves accurate imaging of the entire raceway perimeter through a single integrated apparatus, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate systems for positioning, rotating, and imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure that couples the optical imager to the bearing ring while enabling controlled rotation. The frame provides the mechanical interface between the stationary bearing and the moving imager, allowing the imager to maintain its perpendicular orientation to the raceway surface while rotating about the central axis. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by consolidating positioning and rotation functions in a single component.
4Measurement precision
If multiple images are taken as the frame rotates about the bearing, then the entire raceway perimeter is imaged without distortion, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imager continuously captures images of successive arcuate segments as the frame rotates about the bearing central axis, eliminating idle time between individual image captures. This continuous imaging process during rotation efficiently covers the entire raceway perimeter in a single operational cycle, maintaining high image accuracy while minimizing inspection time compared to sequential repositioning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with the optical imager positioned perpendicular to the raceway surface before rotation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that accurate images are captured from the start of the rotation cycle, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time adjustments during the imaging process and maximizing inspection efficiency.
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 allows for accurate and undistorted imaging of the entire raceway perimeter, facilitating the detection of wear and damage trends, thereby enhancing the assessment and maintenance of rolling element bearings.
Implementation Method 1
a driven roller is rotatably connected with the drive base and is rollable along the ring outer circumferential surface or along the ring inner circumferential surface so as to angularly displace the frame about the central axis of the bearing
Implementation Method 2
An optical imager has a lens and an adjustable positioner is mounted on the frame and is configured to position the optical imager such that the lens is disposed axially between the raceway first and second ends and facing generally perpendicular to the bearing raceway
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system is for recording images of a raceway of a bearing ring, the ring having two opposing axial ends, a central axis extending between the axial ends, and inner and outer circumferential surfaces. The raceway is formed on the inner circumferential surface or the outer circumferential surface of the ring and has first and second ends spaced along the central axis. The imaging system includes a frame movably coupleable with the bearing ring and having a centerline. A drive is mounted to the frame and is configured to angularly displace the frame about the bearing central axis. An optical imager has a lens and an adjustable positioner is mounted on the frame and is configured to position the optical imager such that the lens is disposed axially between the raceway first and second ends and faces generally perpendicular to the bearing raceway.