Bearing Housing Ring Assembly for Fixed or Floating Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing housing assemblies face difficulties in accessing, removing, or installing internal retaining rings, especially when specific tools are not readily available, limiting the ease of switching between fixed and floating modes of operation.
Innovation Solution
A bearing housing assembly configuration that includes a ring capable of securing within the housing in two configurations: a locked mode where the ring abuts the bearing assembly for axial fixation, and a floating mode where the ring is spaced apart, allowing the bearing assembly to be axially displaceable. The ring is secured using fastening elements that can be easily accessed from the exterior, with specific receiving areas for locking and floating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple internal retaining rings or internal retaining ring with step are used to allow bearing assembly to be in fixed or floating position, then the bearing assembly can provide various modes of operation, but it becomes difficult to access, remove, or install the internal retaining rings within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is segmented into a ring component that can be independently positioned and secured within the housing. The ring is divided into distinct functional areas (locking receiving area with slots on first axial side, floating receiving area with slots on second axial side) that allow selective engagement with fastening elements from the exterior, enabling easy switching between fixed and floating modes without disassembling the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring acts as an intermediary component between the bearing assembly and the housing. It provides a mechanism that can be accessed and manipulated from the exterior through openings in the housing, serving as a mediator that translates external fastening element insertion into internal positioning actions that switch the bearing assembly between fixed and floating states.
2Reliability
If internal retaining rings are used to secure bearing assembly, then the bearing assembly can be fixed in position, but specialized tools are required and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ring component serves multiple functions: it can be positioned in different configurations (locked or floating), it provides different receiving areas for fastening elements depending on the desired mode, and it can be secured using standard fastening elements accessible from the exterior. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized tools while maintaining reliable fixed or floating positions for the bearing assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a ring is configured to abut the bearing assembly for axial fixation, then the bearing assembly is fixed relative to the housing, but the ring must be securely positioned within the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be easily moved between different configurations (locked and floating modes) through simple fastening element insertion and removal. The locking receiving area and floating receiving area with their respective slot configurations enable the ring to dynamically adapt its position relative to the bearing assembly and housing, providing stable fixation when needed while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved configuration for a bearing housing assembly is disclosed herein in which a ring can be configured to be secured in at least two positions such that the bearing assembly positioned inside of the housing can be retained in either a fixed state or a floating state. The ring can be configured to be secured at least partially within the housing in at least a first configuration and a second configuration, such that: (i) the ring is configured to abut the bearing assembly in the first configuration such that the bearing assembly is axially fixed relative to the housing, and (ii) the ring is configured to be spaced apart from the bearing assembly in the second configuration such that the bearing assembly is axially displaceable within the housing.