Bearing Support Device Segmented Abutment Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing support devices for bearings require extensive machining of the bracket and case surfaces to achieve accurate positioning, which increases costs and complexity as the machining area widens.

Innovation Solution

A support device design that reduces the abutting region by using separate flat surfaces for abutment and threaded members to position the bearing, allowing for independent alignment in multiple directions without requiring extensive machining of the bracket's outer surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the entire reference surface and inner surface of the bracket supporting portion are machined to accurately position the bearing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but machining cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing positioning accuracyVSAvoidmachining cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket supporting portion is divided into multiple separate abutting portions (first bracket abutting portion, second bracket abutting portion, third bracket abutting portion) that contact different abutting portions of the case. This segmentation allows each surface to be machined independently over smaller areas rather than requiring extensive machining of the entire reference surface, thereby reducing machining cost while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the machining area is increased to improve bearing positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but machining difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing positioning accuracyVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surfaces between bracket and case are segmented into multiple discrete abutting portions distributed at different locations. Each portion requires only localized machining rather than extensive machining of a large continuous area, simplifying the machining process while achieving accurate bearing positioning through the combined effect of multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple abutting portions are used to position the bearing, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing positioning accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple abutting portions on both the bracket and case serve dual functions: they provide precise positioning of the bearing while simultaneously serving as mounting surfaces for securing the bearing housing to the bracket. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning features, thereby limiting structural complexity despite the use of multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3184833B1Support device for bearing
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3184833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3184833B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3184833B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support device (12) for a bearing (10) that rotatably supports a shaft (1) extending in a first direction (D1) includes a case (14) that houses the bearing, and a bracket (16) to which the case is fixed. When the case is fixed to the bracket, a first abutting portion (26) of a case main body (18) is in a state abutting against a first bracket abutting portion (48) of a bracket main body (40) in the first direction, and a second case abutting portion (28, 30) of the case main body (18) is in a state abutting against a second bracket abutting portion (50, 52) of the bracket main body in a second direction (D2) that forms a right angle with the first direction. There is a region where the case and the bracket are separated between the abutting locations of these abutting portions.