Rolling Bearing Ring Circumferential Groove Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller bearing assemblies face challenges in implementing an anti-rotation device without requiring the ring element to be mounted in a predetermined rotational position relative to the bearing seat, and existing solutions are complex or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tangential locking feature is introduced in the form of a circumferential groove tangential securing feature that engages with an axial securing ring's tangential locking feature, allowing for secure anti-rotation without precise initial alignment, utilizing a tangential lock between the ring element and the axial locking ring, which can expand and align during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive fit anti-rotation device (dowel pin, spring pin, ball/spring) is used between ring element and housing section, then anti-rotation is achieved, but the ring element must be mounted with precise circumferential orientation which increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The axial retaining ring automatically establishes circumferential engagement with the circumferential groove through its own spreading and unspreading action during assembly. The ring element itself participates in the anti-rotation mechanism by providing the circumferential groove that engages with the retaining ring, eliminating the need for separate anti-rotation components like dowel pins or spring pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential groove is pre-formed on the ring element at a specific location, and the axial retaining ring is designed with corresponding engagement features. During assembly, the ring element is inserted into the bearing seat and automatically engages with the retaining ring through the pre-positioned groove, establishing anti-rotation before the retaining ring is fully secured in the bearing seat groove.
2Reliability
If a press fit anti-rotation device is used from ring element to bearing seat, then anti-rotation is achieved, but it is not possible if the rolling bearing is first mounted to a rotatable element using the other ring element
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation function is segmented into two independent parts: axial retention (achieved by the axial retaining ring engaging the bearing seat groove) and circumferential retention (achieved by the circumferential groove engagement). This segmentation allows the rolling bearing to be mounted to the rotatable element first using one ring element, and then the other ring element is inserted into the bearing seat with automatic circumferential engagement through the circumferential groove, providing assembly sequence flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial retaining ring acts as an intermediary component that provides both axial and circumferential retention functions. The circumferential groove on the ring element serves as a mediator that automatically establishes circumferential engagement when the ring element is inserted into the bearing seat, eliminating the need for press fit or other complex anti-rotation mechanisms.
3Ease of repair
If radial projections of axial retaining ring engage in mounting opening to enable spreading, then disassembly is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The axial retaining ring combines multiple functions into a single component: axial retention (engaging the bearing seat groove), circumferential retention (engaging the circumferential groove on the ring element), and disassembly facilitation (radial projections for spreading). This merging of functions reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate components for each function while maintaining ease of disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Rolling bearings (28) comprising a first ring element (32), a second ring element (34) arranged concentrically to the first ring element, and a plurality of rolling elements (36) arranged between the first and second ring elements, wherein at least one of the ring elements has a circumferential groove (54) for receiving an axial retaining ring (50). A circumferential groove tangential locking feature is arranged in the region of the circumferential groove and is configured to engage with an axial retaining ring tangential locking feature of an axial retaining ring inserted into the circumferential groove in order to secure one of the ring elements circumferentially relative to the axial retaining ring.