Bearing Support Centering Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing and assembly costs associated with precise positioning of bearing supports in existing bearing arrangements, which are challenging for large-scale production and efficient assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating centering elements with an anchoring section and a centering section of varying diameters in the bearing support, where the centering section is partially cylindrical and can be made of plastic, allowing for a force or form fit, and featuring a beveled end for easy insertion into recesses in the housing, enabling precise centering with minimal production modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dowel pins or precisely manufactured collar surfaces are used to define the position of the bearing bracket on the housing, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs centering elements made of plastic with an anchoring section and enlarged diameter, which are inexpensive to manufacture compared to precision metal dowel pins. These centering elements achieve the required positioning function at low cost while maintaining adequate precision for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The centering elements feature a varying diameter design with an enlarged diameter section that provides both centering function and anchoring capability. This geometric parameter change allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions (centering and securing) without requiring expensive precision machining
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple centering elements with complex anchoring sections are used to achieve precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element is divided into distinct functional sections: a centering section with varying diameter for positioning, an anchoring section with enlarged diameter for securing, and a beveled end for insertion. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides centering guidance during assembly, anchors the bearing bracket to the housing through the enlarged diameter section, and facilitates easy insertion via the beveled end. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional centering methods with multiple precision components are used, then the positioning precision is improved, but the assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements are pre-installed in the housing before the bearing bracket assembly process. Their beveled ends facilitate easy insertion, and they are positioned in advance to guide the bearing bracket into correct alignment during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The varying diameter design of the centering elements allows them to self-center the bearing bracket during assembly without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures. The enlarged diameter section automatically provides the anchoring function, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement (1) comprising a bearing support (2), wherein the bearing support (2) comprises at least one receptacle (3) for a bearing (4), particularly for a rolling bearing, and wherein the bearing support (2) comprises at least one attaching segment (5) provided for contacting and attaching the bearing support (2) to an attachment area (6) of a further component (7), particularly a housing. In order to allow precise assembly in a simple manner, according to the invention, at least one centering element (8) protruding in the axial direction (a) is disposed on the side of the attaching segment (5) of the bearing support (2) facing toward the attaching area (6) of the further component (7) and can at least partially enter a corresponding recess (9) in the attachment area (6) of the further component (7).