Bearing Seal Element Axial Fixing Transport Safeguard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling-element bearing units for wheel bearings are difficult to install quickly and simply due to the need to remove retaining elements before assembly, increasing production times and costs.
Innovation Solution
A rolling-element bearing unit with a seal element configured as a transport safeguard, featuring a seal-element base body and a first seal lip that supports the bearing rings, allowing for secure transport and easy installation by fixing the bearing rings axially and radially, while maintaining a sealed lubricant environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining element is used to secure bearing rings during transport, then the bearing rings are secured and prevented from slipping out, but the retaining element must be removed before installation which increases production time and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is designed to serve dual functions: it seals the bearing intermediate space against oil penetration and dirt ingress, and simultaneously acts as a transport safeguard to secure the bearing rings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate retaining element, resolving the contradiction by maintaining security during transport while avoiding the time loss associated with removing a dedicated retaining element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sealing function and the transport safeguard function into a single integrated seal element. By merging these two functions, the design eliminates the need for separate components and operations, thereby reducing production time and complexity while maintaining the security of bearing rings during transport.
2Reliability
If a retaining element is used to secure bearing rings during transport, then the bearing rings are secured, but the complexity of the device increases due to the additional component
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element performs multiple functions including sealing the bearing intermediate space and securing bearing rings during transport. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the sealing function and transport safeguard function into a single integrated seal element, the patent reduces the number of separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional retaining elements, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If bearing rings are preassembled into a rolling-element bearing unit, then installation is simplified, but the bearing rings must be secured during transport to prevent slipping out
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element serves dual purposes: it seals the bearing intermediate space and simultaneously secures the preassembled bearing rings during transport. This multi-functionality maintains the simplicity of installation while eliminating the need for additional securing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and the transport safeguard function into a single seal element. This integration maintains the benefits of preassembly (simplified installation) while avoiding the need for separate securing components, thereby maintaining ease of operation without increasing device complexity.
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 seal element secures the bearing rings during transport and prevents slipping or falling, allowing for rapid and simple installation without the need to remove retaining elements, enhancing operational safety and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the seal element is configured as a transport safeguard... a bearing interior space extending between the first and second bearing ring can be sealed in the axial direction with the result that a lubricant, for example, a lubricating grease, can be retained in the bearing interior
Implementation Method 2
The seal element can thereby be axially fixed and secured. Furthermore, the first seal lip supports the first bearing ring on a radial end surface. Due to the presented design and arrangement of the seal element in the rolling-element bearing unit a bearing interior space extending between the first and second bearing ring can be sealed
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling-element bearing unit for a wheel bearing assembly of a vehicle includes a first rolling-element bearing having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring and rolling elements disposed between the outer bearing ring and the inner bearing ring and a first seal element having a seal-element base body having a first support member mounted to an axial outer surface of the inner bearing ring and a first seal lip pressed against a radial end surface of the outer bearing ring to hold the outer bearing ring in position relative to the inner bearing ring. Also a wheel bearing assembly including two such rolling element bearing units.