Roller Bearing Seal Retention With Snap Ring Radial Restraint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roller bearing for dental air turbines lacks sufficient radial fixation of the seal member, which can lead to inadequate sealing when compressed air is applied, necessitating a stronger fixation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A roller bearing design that includes a seal member fixed to a seal attachment groove on the outer ring by a snap ring, where the seal member's outer diameter is larger than the snap ring, and features a tapered surface and step portion in the groove to increase the radial restraining force, allowing the seal member to be sandwiched between the groove and snap ring surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the seal member is fixed only by the snap ring pressing force in the thrust direction, then the structure is simple, but the fixation is insufficient when compressed air acts on the seal member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction (thrust direction) fixation to multi-directional fixation by adding radial direction restraint. The seal member is now constrained both axially by the snap ring and radially by being sandwiched between the groove inner peripheral surface and the snap ring outer peripheral surface, creating a two-dimensional restraint system that significantly improves fixation reliability under compressed air loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different fixation mechanisms at different locations and directions: the snap ring provides axial pressing force at the seal member's axial end, while the groove inner peripheral surface provides radial restraint at the seal member's radial outer end. This localized differentiation of fixation methods optimizes the overall sealing performance without requiring a completely complex structure.
2Reliability
If a fixing member in radial direction is added to strengthen seal fixation, then the restraining force increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring serves dual functions: it provides axial pressing force to secure the seal member in the thrust direction, and simultaneously provides radial restraint by having its outer peripheral surface sandwich the seal member between itself and the groove inner peripheral surface. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced fixation reliability without adding separate dedicated fixing components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the axial fixation function and radial fixation function into a single integrated structure where the snap ring and groove work together. The groove's inner peripheral surface and the snap ring's outer peripheral surface cooperate to create radial restraint, combining multiple fixation actions into one unified mechanism rather than using separate components.
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 design enhances the radial and thrust restraining forces of the seal member, providing a more secure seal and improved durability against compressed air forces.
Implementation Method 1
the seal member is fixed to a groove portion of the outer ring by a pressing force of the snap ring
Implementation Method 2
a radially outer end portion of the seal member is sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the seal attachment groove and an outer peripheral surface of the snap ring
Data Source
AI summary
The rolling bearing includes: an outer ring having an outer ring raceway surface on an inner peripheral surface; an inner ring having an inner ring raceway surface on an outer peripheral surface; rolling elements rotatably arranged between the outer ring raceway surface and the inner ring raceway surface; and a seal member that is fixed to a seal attachment groove formed in an axially end portion of the outer ring by a snap ring and seals an axially end portion of a bearing internal space between the outer ring and the inner ring, in which an outer diameter of the seal member is larger than an outer diameter of the snap ring in the seal attachment groove, and in which a radially outer end portion of the seal member is sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the seal attachment groove and an outer peripheral surface of the snap ring.