Bearing Ring Fiber Sensor Mounting Without Potting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of optical fiber sensors in bearings is complex and requires the use of liquid potting materials that need curing, making the process lengthy and delicate due to the fragility of the sensors and materials involved.

Innovation Solution

A bearing design featuring a groove on the main part ring with a solid counterpart ring that secures and maintains the fiber sensor, eliminating the need for liquid potting and simplifying assembly, while also providing a sealing function and allowing for easy removal and reinstallation of the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical fiber sensors are assembled using gluing and potting methods, then the fiber sensors are fixed and sealed, but the assembly process becomes lengthy and complex due to curing requirements and delicate handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing and sealing of fiber sensorVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fiber sensor from the groove and secures it using a separate retaining ring component. This allows the sensor to be held in place mechanically without requiring potting material, eliminating the curing step and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable fixation and sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing ring is divided into a main part ring and a separate counterpart ring (retaining ring). The counterpart ring is inserted into a groove on the main part ring to secure the fiber sensor, creating a modular assembly that simplifies installation and maintenance while providing both mechanical support and sealing functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If optical fiber sensors are assembled using gluing and potting methods, then the fiber sensors are fixed and sealed, but the process becomes meticulous and time-consuming due to curing of materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing and sealing of fiber sensorVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for potting material by using a counterpart ring that mechanically retains the fiber sensor. This extraction of the potting step completely removes the curing time requirement from the assembly process, achieving both reliable fixation and immediate operational readiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove is pre-formed on the main part ring with precise dimensions to accommodate the counterpart ring and fiber sensor. This preliminary preparation of the groove geometry enables direct mechanical assembly without requiring additional curing steps, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining sealing integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11585384B2Bearing ring with integrated fiber sensor and associated bearing

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A bearing ring having a main part ring provided with at least one groove formed a surface of the main part ring. The bearing ring further provides at least one fiber sensor mounted inside the groove. The bearing ring also include at least one counterpart ring mounted into the groove of the main part ring and coming into contact with the fiber sensor to maintain the fiber sensor against a groove bottom, the counterpart ring being secured to the main part ring.