Rolling Bearing Retainer Ring to Prevent Roller Fall-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roller bearings for steering devices are complex and costly due to their configuration of retaining rollers with two inner and outer retainers, which makes it difficult to prevent rolling elements from falling off.
Innovation Solution
A rolling bearing with a ring-shaped rolling element fall-off prevention member arranged on the inside diameter side of the outer ring, featuring window portions to expose rolling surfaces of the rolling elements, formed by bending a strip-shaped metal member into a ring shape and welding its ends, with strategically placed cut portions for elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two inner and outer retainers are used to retain rollers, then the rolling elements are prevented from falling off, but the configuration becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fall-off prevention function from the complex two-retainer system and concentrates it into a single dedicated fall-off prevention member. This member is positioned on the inside diameter side of the outer ring and features window portions that selectively expose rolling surfaces, achieving reliable prevention while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall-off prevention member is segmented with multiple window portions distributed around its circumference. Each window portion exposes specific rolling surfaces of rolling elements at different angular positions, allowing the single member to perform the function previously requiring two complete retainers while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Reliability
If two inner and outer retainers are used to retain rollers, then the rolling elements are prevented from falling off, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate retainers into a single fall-off prevention member. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventory-managed, and assembled, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential fall-off prevention capability through strategically positioned window portions.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting only the essential fall-off prevention function into a single member and eliminating the redundant second retainer, the invention reduces component count and associated manufacturing costs while preserving the core safety function of preventing rolling element ejection.
3Reliability
If window portions are provided to expose rolling surfaces, then rolling elements can be retained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing continuous coverage or uniform structure around the entire fall-off prevention member, window portions are strategically positioned only where needed to expose specific rolling surfaces. This localised approach provides effective retention at critical locations while maintaining a simple overall structure with minimal material and geometric complexity.
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
The proposed solution effectively prevents rolling elements from falling off while maintaining a relatively simple configuration and reducing costs, ensuring reliable performance even under impact.
Implementation Method 1
formed by bending a strip-shaped metal member into a ring shape and welding two ends thereof
Implementation Method 2
The connecting portion includes a welded portion, a first cut portion provided at a position avoiding the pillar portions, and a second cut portion provided at a position avoiding the pillar portions and the first cut portion
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling bearing includes an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements rolling on a raceway surface, and a ring-shaped rolling element fall-off prevention member formed by bending a strip-shaped metal member into a ring shape and welding two ends, and preventing the rolling elements from falling off. The member includes a plurality of pillar portions and a connecting portion. The connecting portion includes a welded and first and second cut portions. As viewed in the axial direction, the cut portions are each provided within an angle range of 45°-315° from the welded portion around a center of a shaft. The second cut portion is provided at a position of a window portion located at a position corresponding to 180°, or at a position of a window portion adjacent to the window portion located at the position corresponding to 180°, with respect to a position of the first cut portion.