Bearing Inner Ring Assembly With Locking Collar for Unmachined Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing inner rings require precise machining of the shaft surface for installation, which increases costs and complexity, especially in applications where such machining is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
An inner ring assembly with a bearing annular body and arcuate mounting tabs, clamped by an annular locking collar, allowing for integral mounting on the shaft without precision machining, featuring a threaded rod mechanism to compress the tabs and enhance dynamic balance through a flat surface section on the collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interference or press fit is used to mount the inner ring on the shaft, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but precise machining of the shaft outer surface is required, increasing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented between the bearing inner ring and a separate mounting collar. The collar includes clamping elements that can be independently adjusted to secure the bearing on the shaft without requiring precision machining of the shaft surface. This separates the mounting mechanism from the shaft, allowing the shaft to have simpler, less precise geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting collar acts as an intermediary component between the bearing inner ring and the shaft. The collar provides the clamping and securing function, while the bearing inner ring focuses on its rotational function. This intermediary allows secure mounting without transferring the complexity of precision machining requirements to the shaft.
2Device complexity
If an integral mounting means with mounting fingers and collar is used, then shaft machining is avoided, but the collar may become loose or detach from the inner ring during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting collar is pre-configured with clamping elements and retention features during manufacturing. The clamping elements are pre-positioned to engage with the bearing inner ring, and retention features are built-in to prevent loosening or detachment during assembly and operation. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable connection without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting collar incorporates self-retaining features that automatically secure it to the bearing inner ring during assembly. The design includes self-adjusting clamping elements and retention mechanisms that engage without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, allowing the collar to self-secure to the bearing.
3Ease of manufacture
If mounting tabs are used to clamp the inner ring onto the shaft, then installation without precision machining is enabled, but stress concentrations may occur at the tab roots
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tabs are designed with curved or rounded profiles instead of sharp angular transitions. The tab roots feature filleted transitions that distribute stress more evenly, eliminating stress concentration points. This curved geometry maintains the simplicity of installation while significantly improving the strength and fatigue resistance of the tab roots.
Data Source
AI summary
An inner ring assembly for a bearing includes a bearing annular body disposable about the shaft and having a bearing inner race and a plurality of slotted openings defining a plurality of arcuate mounting tabs, the slotted openings each having a curved inner end and each tab including a substantial recess to reduce stress concentration. An annular locking collar is disposed about and clamps the mounting tabs against the outer surface of the shaft to retain the inner ring. The collar is retained on the ring body by a retainer projection(s) extending outwardly from the mounting tabs and engaging with the collar or a retainer member projecting inwardly from the collar and engaging with one of the mounting tabs. The collar has a gap and a flat outer surface section spaced from the gap to increase the dynamic balance and the flexibility of the collar.