Bearing Raceway Imaging via Rotating Optical Imager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for recording images of bearing raceways often result in distorted views due to the conventional method of capturing a single image along the central axis, failing to effectively detect wear or damage trends over time.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising a platform, an optical imager, a positioner, and a motor that rotates the imager or reflector to capture a series of images around the entire perimeter of the bearing raceway, allowing for panoramic imaging and precise analysis of arcuate segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single image is captured along the central axis of the bearing ring, then the entire raceway can be recorded in one shot, but the view becomes distorted and wear or damage trends cannot be effectively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The raceway inspection is divided into multiple arcuate segments, with each segment captured in a separate image by the optical imager. The positioner rotates to position different segments in the field of view, allowing detailed examination of each segment without distortion while maintaining a manageable imaging system structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured to cover the entire perimeter of the raceway, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner rotates the optical imager or reflector periodically to capture multiple images of different arcuate segments of the raceway. This systematic periodic movement allows complete perimeter inspection to be accomplished efficiently through automated sequential imaging rather than manual examination.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflector is used as an intermediary to redirect light from the raceway to the optical imager. This allows the imager to be positioned axially between the raceway ends rather than requiring direct radial access to each segment, simplifying the overall system configuration and reducing inspection time.
3Device complexity
If the optical imager is positioned axially between the raceway ends, then the system structure is simplified, but capturing images of the entire perimeter requires complex positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner provides dynamic positioning capability, rotating the optical imager or reflector to different angular positions around the bearing ring. This dynamic adjustment allows the simple axial positioning structure to capture images of the entire raceway perimeter by moving the imager to face different arcuate segments sequentially.
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 detection of wear and potential damage by providing a clear, panoramic view of the raceway, facilitating timely inspection and assessment of bearing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imager (14) with a lens (15) and a positioner (16) for securing the optical imager (14) or a reflector (18) oriented to reflect light to the optical imager lens (15)
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system is for recording images of a bearing raceway and includes a platform having a surface sized to receive the bearing ring and an optical imager having a lens. A positioner secures the optical imager or a reflector oriented to reflect light to the optical imager lens and locates the optical imager lens or the reflector axially between first and second axial ends of the raceway and facing generally toward the raceway. A motor rotates the platform or the positioner relative to the other one of the platform and the positioner. A processor operates the optical imager and the motor such that the optical imager takes a series of images about the entire perimeter of the bearing raceway. The processor also indexes each image to a separate one of a plurality of arcuate segments of the raceway and constructs a panoramic image of the raceway.