Bearing Ring Retaining Flange Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of bearing rings with integrated flanges is complex and costly, and existing solutions for separate retaining flanges require precise axial positioning, which is time- and cost-intensive, and can lead to instability during operation, especially in tapered roller bearings.
Innovation Solution
A bearing ring design featuring a radially extending stop for precise positioning of the retaining flange, which is connected via friction-fit, material-bonded, or interference-fit, ensuring secure attachment and minimizing clearance between flanges, thereby enhancing load capacity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the retaining flange is formed one-piece with the bearing ring, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing ring is divided into two separate components: the bearing ring itself and the retaining flange. The retaining flange is manufactured separately and then fixedly connected to the bearing ring, eliminating the need for complex one-piece manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Device complexity
If the retaining flange is made as a separate component, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning protrusion is provided on the bearing ring before the retaining flange is installed. This protrusion preliminarily defines the correct axial position and radial orientation of the retaining flange, enabling precise positioning during installation without requiring additional positioning tools or complex alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If the retaining flange is made as a separate component, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusion is pre-formed on the bearing ring, allowing the retaining flange to be quickly and accurately positioned during installation. This eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment procedures and additional positioning tools, significantly reducing installation time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusion and corresponding positioning surface on the retaining flange create a self-aligning mechanism. During installation, the components automatically guide each other into the correct position through the protrusion-surface interface, eliminating the need for external positioning tools or skilled alignment operations.
4Device complexity
If the retaining flange is separately connected to the bearing ring, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the risk of loosening and slipping during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusion is pre-formed on the bearing ring to define the correct position of the retaining flange. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that the retaining flange is always installed at the correct axial position, preventing loosening and slipping during operation by eliminating installation errors and uncertainties.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusion and positioning surface create a self-locking mechanism that maintains the retaining flange's position during operation. The geometric constraint provided by the protrusion prevents radial and axial displacement, ensuring the retaining flange remains securely attached without requiring additional fastening elements.
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
This design simplifies and secures the installation of the retaining flange, reduces assembly errors, and increases the load capacity by optimizing the flange width and minimizing clearance, ensuring the retaining flange remains securely attached even under operational conditions like heating.
Implementation Method 1
connected via friction-fit, material-bonded, or interference-fit, ensuring secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing ring for a rolling-element bearing includes a rolling-element raceway that is axially delimited by a guide flange and a retaining flange. At least the retaining flange is configured as a separate element that is fixedly connectable to the bearing ring, and the bearing ring includes a substantially radially extending stop that is offset inward from an axial end of the bearing towards the raceway.