Rolling Bearing Stop Ring Retention Under High Centrifugal Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed rotation in electric motor applications causes significant centrifugal force, leading to the displacement of elastic rings used for axial stop in rolling bearings, resulting in a loss of effectiveness in maintaining the association between the inner ring and hub.

Innovation Solution

A rolling bearing design that incorporates an elastic ring with a split annular geometry and a securing armature with projections to prevent radial displacement, ensuring reliable association between the inner ring and hub even at high speeds, by using a stop ring with an immobilized inner segment and a projecting outer segment, and additional radial projections to maintain the ring in the groove.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elastic ring is used to provide axial stop in the groove, then the association between the inner ring and hub is improved, but at high rotation speeds the centrifugal force causes the ring to move out of the groove resulting in loss of effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassociation reliabilityVSAvoidring position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic ring is divided into two functional segments: an inner segment that remains immobilized axially in the groove to maintain axial stop function, and an outer segment that projects from the groove to form an axial abutment for the association of the ring on the hub. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, with the inner segment providing stable axial positioning and the outer segment providing rotational association.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a radial dimension to control the ring position by providing at least one projection arranged around the ring to prevent radial displacement. This radial constraint works in conjunction with the axial segmentation to fully constrain the ring in both axial and radial directions, preventing centrifugal force from displacing the ring at high speeds while maintaining the association function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the ring is allowed to move freely in the groove, then ease of assembly is improved, but rotation parameter measurement reliability deteriorates due to radial displacement and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidrotation parameter measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic ring is designed with non-unimal properties along its circumference: the inner segment has properties optimized for axial immobilization in the groove, while the outer segment has properties optimized for forming an axial abutment. Additionally, projections are strategically placed at specific locations around the ring to prevent radial displacement only where necessary, allowing free movement in other areas during assembly while maintaining measurement precision during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively secures the ring in the groove, enhancing the reliability of rotation parameter measurement by preventing radial displacement and deformation, thus ensuring accurate and reliable rotation information detection even at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

it is known to use an elastic ring, for example of the 'Circlip' type with a split annular geometry, the diameter of which can vary reversibly to allow it to be fitted in the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rolling bearing comprising an inner member (1), an outer member (2) and rolling bodies (3) arranged in a bearing space formed between said members to allow the relative rotation of the inner member with respect to the outer member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

when the speed of rotation is high, as is the case in electric motors, the centrifugal force exerted on the ring is significant, which can cause said ring to move out of said groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3784917B1Rolling bearing
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 NTN SNR ROULEMENTS
  • EP3784917B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3784917B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a roller bearing comprising an exterior member (2) and an interior member (1) comprising a ring (5) having a raceway (6) and an interior wall (8) which is associated around an exterior bearing surface (9) of a hub (4) of said interior member, said bearing surface comprising a groove (10) in which an annular member (11) is arranged by having an interior segment (11a) axially immobilized in said groove and a exterior segment (11b) that projects to form an axial abutment of the association of the ring (5) on the hub (4), the member (1) being equipped with an encoder (12) having a track (12a) capable of generating a signal representative of its rotation, said encoder comprising a reinforcement (13) for rotatably securing to the member (1), the reinforcement (13) having at least one projection (19) arranged around the annular member (11) to prevent its radial movement in the groove (10).