Power Tool Bearing Retainer for Axial and Radial Shaft Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact wrenches face challenges in securely supporting the output shaft against axial and radial forces generated during operation, particularly with helical gears, leading to potential instability and wear.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a bearing retainer with a first wall parallel to the axis and transverse walls to axially and radially secure the bearing, combined with a bushing and retaining ring for enhanced support, allowing the bearing to withstand axial and radial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a bearing is used to support the output shaft, then the output shaft can rotate smoothly, but the bearing may become unstable under axial and radial forces from helical gears
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support system is segmented into multiple functional walls: a first wall for radial support, a second wall for axial positioning, and a third wall for additional axial support. This segmentation allows each wall to specifically address different force components, improving overall bearing stability under complex loading conditions from helical gears.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing retainer extends in multiple dimensional directions (radially and axially) to provide comprehensive support. By adding walls that extend in different dimensions, the system addresses both radial and axial forces simultaneously, preventing bearing instability that would occur with single-direction support structures.
2Productivity
If helical gears are used to reduce noise and improve efficiency, then power transmission is enhanced, but axial forces on the output shaft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing retainer structure acts as a counterbalancing mechanism against axial forces generated by helical gears. The second and third walls extending from the end cap create reaction surfaces that counteract the axial thrust, preventing excessive loading on the bearing while preserving the efficiency benefits of helical gear operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the end cap is removably coupled to the motor housing, then assembly and maintenance are simplified, but the bearing may become less securely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing retainer is merged with the end cap as an integral structure, combining the functions of bearing support and end cap closure. This integration ensures that the bearing is securely positioned within the removable end cap, maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of assembly and maintenance provided by the removable coupling design.
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes a motor housing defined by cooperating clamshell halves, a front housing portion coupled to the motor housing, and an end cap coupled to the motor housing opposite the front housing portion. A motor is supported within the motor housing. The motor includes an output shaft defining an axis. A fan is coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft. The power tool also includes a bearing configured to support the output shaft for rotation about the axis and a bearing retainer axially and radially securing the bearing within the end cap.