Bearing Seal Ring Segmentation Eliminates Outer Race Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearing sealing devices require complex and costly grinding processes to form seal contact surfaces on the inner periphery of outer races, increasing production costs and complexity, especially when forming seal grooves in inner races.
Innovation Solution
A bearing sealing device with two seals that includes a ring with a press-fitted portion fixed to the inner periphery of the outer race, allowing the outer seal to be positioned outwardly of the inner seal, eliminating the need for grinding the inner periphery of the outer race and simplifying the seal contact surface formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal contact surfaces are formed on the inner periphery of the outer race through grinding, then seal performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the seal contact surface formation from the outer race by introducing a distinct seal ring component. The seal ring has its own seal contact surface that interfaces with the seal lip, while the outer race only needs a simple groove. This segmentation allows the seal contact surface to be formed on a separate, easier-to-manufacture component, reducing the grinding requirements on the outer race and lowering overall manufacturing cost while maintaining seal performance.
2Reliability
If seal grooves are formed in the outer periphery of the inner race, then seal functionality is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the seal groove formation requirement from the inner race by introducing the seal ring as a separate component. The seal ring is fitted into a simple groove on the outer race, and the seal lip of the seal ring contacts the seal contact surface on the inner race. This extraction eliminates the need for complex seal groove machining on the inner race, reducing production cost while preserving seal functionality.
3Productivity
If a special grinding stone is used to grind raceway surface and seal contact surface simultaneously, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but equipment cost and grinding stone load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ground surfaces into two separate groups: the raceway surfaces on the inner and outer races, and the seal contact surface on the seal ring. This allows conventional centerless grinding to be used for the raceway surfaces without requiring special grinding stones, while the seal contact surface on the seal ring can be formed by simpler machining processes. The segmentation eliminates the need for complex special grinding equipment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 configuration enhances seal performance by preventing foreign matter entry while reducing the area that needs to be ground on the outer race, lowering production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a press-fitted portion (34) fixed to the inner periphery of the outer race (2)
Implementation Method 2
a seal contact surface (30) with which the seal lip (25, 26) of the outer seal (7) is in contact
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing sealing device includes two seals (inner and outer seals) sealing the space between the inner and outer races of a bearing to ensure higher seal performance, and also to reduce the area of the inner periphery of the outer race that needs to be ground. The bearing sealing device includes a ring constituted by a metal annulus, and a rubber part. The metal annulus is formed by cold pressing, and has a seal contact surface kept in contact with seal lips of the outer seal. The rubber part includes a press-fitted portion fixed to the inner periphery of the outer race. The inner race has, on its outer periphery, a cylindrical fitting surface to which the outer seal is press-fitted.