Bearing Seal Layout for Wireless Sensing and Gas Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing devices face issues with unstable wireless transmission of radio waves due to metal seals blocking signals and decreased detection sensitivity of gas sensors when placed away from the bearing, affecting the reliability of monitoring the bearing's state.
Innovation Solution
A bearing device design that includes a retaining member with a side plate portion fixed to the outer or inner ring, where a circuit board with gas sensors and wireless communication circuits are positioned to face outward, and a porous membrane covers a through hole to allow gas detection while preventing interference, using a metal retaining member for rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the annular seal is made of metal, then the rigidity of the seal is improved, but radio waves from the wireless processing circuit are blocked and cannot be transmitted outside the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic seal ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal annular seal and the rolling bearing. This seal ring allows radio waves to pass through while the metal annular seal maintains its structural rigidity. The wireless processing circuit is positioned to face this non-metallic seal ring, enabling reliable wireless transmission without compromising the seal's mechanical strength.
2Reliability
If the annular seal is made of non-metallic material such as resin, then radio waves can be transmitted outside the bearing, but the rigidity of the annular seal decreases and cannot support vibrating actions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate components: a metal annular seal that provides structural rigidity and supports vibrating actions, and a non-metallic seal ring that enables radio wave transmission. By dividing the sealing system into these two functional parts, the patent resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and wireless transmission capability.
3Device complexity
If the gas sensor is placed outside the housing at a distance, then the housing structure is simplified, but the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas sensor is nested within the housing structure, specifically positioned within the sealed space formed by the rolling bearing, annular seal, and end plates. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be in close proximity to the bearing for high detection sensitivity while still being protected and integrated within the housing, eliminating the need for complex external mounting structures.
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
Ensures stable wireless transmission of data and high accuracy in detecting bearing deterioration by maintaining sensor sensitivity, even in vibrating environments.
Implementation Method 1
A porous membrane is attached so as to cover the through hole
Implementation Method 2
A porous membrane is attached so as to cover the through hole connecting a first surface facing the rolling element to a second surface located opposite to the first surface
Implementation Method 3
a wireless communication circuit wirelessly transmitting an output of the at least one gas sensor to outside
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing device includes a bearing and a retaining member. The retaining member is fixed to any one ring of an outer ring and an inner ring. A circuit board is fixed to, in an axial direction, a front surface of a side plate portion. At least one gas sensor, which detects a state of the bearing, and a wireless communication circuit, which wirelessly transmits an output of the gas sensor to outside, are mounted on the circuit board.