Bearing Unit Outer Ring Anti-Rotation Support Bumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive motor bearings in hybrid vehicles experience abrasion and noise due to loose fitting outer rings, which can lead to bearing creeping and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A bearing unit with support bumps on the outer ring and a bearing cover with a stepped surface that supports and fixes the outer ring in the rotation direction, preventing rotation relative to the motor housing and reducing abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the outer ring of the bearing is loosely fitted to the motor housing, then the bearing can be easily installed and assembled, but bearing creeping occurs and the outer ring rotates relative to the motor housing causing noise and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming support bumps on the outer ring of the bearing before assembly. These support bumps are positioned to engage with corresponding support surfaces on the bearing cover, preventing rotational movement and bearing creeping before the bearing is installed into the motor housing. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the bearing maintains its positional stability from the moment of assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-installation adjustments while preventing durability issues.
2Device complexity
If the outer ring of the bearing is loosely fitted to the motor housing, then the bearing structure remains simple, but noise is generated and abrasion of the motor housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding support bumps only at specific localized positions on the outer ring of the bearing, rather than modifying the entire bearing structure. These support bumps are strategically placed to engage with support surfaces on the bearing cover, providing anti-rotation functionality only where needed. This localized modification maintains the overall simplicity of the bearing structure while effectively preventing noise and abrasion caused by bearing creeping and rotational movement.
3Reliability
If support bumps are formed on the outer ring of the bearing, then the outer ring is fixed in the rotation direction and bearing creeping is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity of the bearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bumps on the outer ring are pre-formed during the bearing manufacturing process using conventional machining or forming techniques. This preliminary formation of support bumps integrates the anti-rotation feature into the standard bearing production workflow, minimizing additional manufacturing steps. The support bumps are positioned and sized to engage with corresponding support surfaces on the bearing cover, ensuring stable bearing position while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing capabilities.
4Reliability
If the bearing cover has a stepped surface with support portion, then the outer ring is supported in the axial direction and rotation is inhibited, but the complexity of the bearing cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing cover incorporates a stepped surface with support portions at specific localized areas, rather than modifying the entire cover structure. The stepped surface provides axial support for the outer ring, while the support portions are strategically positioned to engage with support bumps on the bearing, preventing rotational movement. This localized structural enhancement maintains the overall simplicity of the bearing cover design while effectively improving durability by preventing bearing creeping and rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing unit for a drive motor, which is installed between a motor housing and a rotating shaft, includes: a bearing having two or more support bumps formed on the outer circumferential surface of an outer ring, and installed between the front or rear of the rotating shaft and the motor housing so as to rotatably support the rotating shaft with respect to the motor housing; and a bearing cover assembled to the motor housing, having a circular stepped surface formed on one surface such that an outer ring of the bearing is fitted to the stepped surface and supported in an axial direction. In particular, a support portion is formed on the stepped surface and is in contact with the support bumps so as to fix the outer ring in a rotation direction.