Integrated Bearing Ring Scrapers for Even Grease Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for lubricating greased rolling bearings in rotary electric machines fail to achieve even grease distribution, leading to grease accumulation and increased temperatures due to the design complexity, additional components, and limited flexibility in scraper positioning, which complicates manufacturing and raw material utilization.

Innovation Solution

A bearing ring with radial protrusions acting as scrapers, featuring inclined edges and varying dimensions, that protrude from the bearing contact region to promote grease distribution independently of the rotation direction, reducing grease accumulation and enhancing heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If scrapers are arranged in a ring intricately fixed to motor covers, then grease distribution is optimized, but device complexity increases due to additional components for fixing and sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease distributionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scraper ring is integrated directly into the bearing ring as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate fixing components and sealing elements. The scraper ring forms an integral part of the bearing ring structure, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining grease distribution functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing ring serves dual functions: supporting the bearing and distributing grease through its integrated scraper ring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate grease distribution mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If scrapers are thin blade-shaped barriers with straight edges, then manufacturing is simplified, but grease capture is limited and temperature increases due to viscous friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescraper constructionVSAvoidbearing temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The scrapers feature curved surfaces instead of straight edges, allowing grease to flow more smoothly along the curved path. This reduces viscous friction and heat generation while improving grease capture efficiency. The curved geometry maintains manufacturing simplicity while addressing the temperature issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If scrapers are positioned depending on motor rotation direction, then grease distribution is optimized for specific directions, but adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease distribution efficiencyVSAvoidrotation direction flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scraper ring is designed with asymmetric features that allow it to effectively distribute grease in both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation directions. The asymmetric geometry ensures that at least one scraper remains effective regardless of rotation direction, providing universal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Quantity of substance

If grease accumulates in the vicinity of the bearing, then lubrication is concentrated at one point, but even grease distribution is prevented leading to bearing overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease concentration at bearingVSAvoidgrease distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scraper ring features locally optimized scraper positions and geometries that target specific grease accumulation zones. Each scraper is positioned to address local grease distribution needs, ensuring uniform grease distribution throughout the bearing ring while preventing localized overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution ensures even grease distribution and reduced temperature buildup, simplifying construction and manufacturing while optimizing raw material use and flexibility across various rotary electric machines.

Implementation Method 1

which act similarly to a straight-blade fan and thus act as a barrier to grease passage during higher rotations, not promoting even grease distribution inside the bearing ring and causing an increase in temperature due to the viscous friction of its surfaces with grease

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous friction: Viscous Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4242484A1Bearing ring for rotary electric machine and corresponding rotary electric machine

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 WEG EQUIP ELETRICOS SA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a bearing ring (100) for a rotary electric machine, forming a single body comprising scrapers (130) protruding radially from an inner region (120) and axially from a radial interface region (140), extending axially from its larger edge (131) and gradually decreasing its height proportionally to an angle (133) until reaching its smaller edge (134), maintaining an axial clearance (122) in relation to the bearing (400). The present invention also relates to a corresponding rotary electric machine provided with a bearing ring (100) of the invention.