Carousel Bearing Preload Layout for Low-Vibration Filling Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing arrangements in container treatment devices for beverage bottling plants face challenges such as oscillations, vibrations, and complex maintenance due to undefined bearing loads and cumbersome preload adjustments in rotary-type processing devices.

Innovation Solution

A bearing arrangement featuring a concentrically arranged spring washer with a plurality of spring packs evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, providing precise preload adjustment and even force distribution, along with a tubular bearing shaft for reduced weight and energy efficiency, and a nut element with a threaded section and clamping ring for secure preload application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a floating bearing arrangement with clearance is used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but oscillations and vibrations occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidoscillations and vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the clearance parameter to zero or near-zero by positioning the thrust cone tips of both angular contact bearings to point inward toward each other. This parameter change eliminates the clearance that causes oscillations and vibrations in floating bearings, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a straightforward bearing arrangement design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a locating-loose bearing arrangement is used, then manufacturing tolerances and differential heating are compensated, but no defined bearing loads are provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompensation for manufacturing tolerancesVSAvoiddefined bearing loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the thrust cone tips, with both tips pointing inward toward each other rather than the symmetric outward positioning in traditional locating-loose arrangements. This asymmetric configuration creates defined bearing loads through the inward-pointing thrust lines while still allowing the bearing arrangement to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If adjusted bearings with precise preload are used, then oscillations and vibrations are prevented, but excessive wear and friction occur with excessive preload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of oscillations and vibrationsVSAvoidexcessive wear and friction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring element that automatically applies and maintains the optimal preload on the adjusted bearings. The spring provides a self-regulating mechanism that ensures sufficient preload to prevent oscillations and vibrations while avoiding excessive preload that would cause wear and friction. The spring continuously adapts to maintain the correct preload level without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If preload is determined by tightening torque measurement, then the correct preload can be achieved, but significant effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreload determination accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically provides the correct preload without requiring manual measurement or adjustment. The spring's inherent mechanical properties ensure the optimal preload is applied simply by installing the bearing arrangement, eliminating the need for time-consuming tightening torque measurements or distance measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element acts as an intermediary between the bearing components, automatically translating the mechanical installation into the correct preload condition. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for direct measurement and complex adjustment procedures, simplifying the installation process while ensuring precise preload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves precise preload adjustment, reduces oscillations and vibrations, simplifies maintenance, and enhances the rotational efficiency of the container treatment carousel by ensuring even force distribution and adjustable preload, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the bearing arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing arrangement (1) for supporting a container treatment carousel (7) against a base frame (6) of a container treatment device (5)... an adjusted bearing (150) for supporting the bearing cup (4) against the bearing shaft (3)... a concentrically arranged spring washer with a plurality of spring packs evenly distributed in the circumferential direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4191084B1Bearing arrangement for supporting a container-handling carousel against a base frame of a container-handling apparatus in a beverage filling system
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 KRONES AG
  • EP4191084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191084B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4191084B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bearing arrangement (1) for supporting a container handling carousel (7) against a base frame (6) of a container handling device (5) in a beverage bottling plant, comprising a bearing shaft (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (2), a bearing pot (4) rotatable relative to the bearing shaft (3), an inclined bearing (150) arranged between the bearing shaft (3) and the bearing pot (4) for supporting the bearing pot (40) against the bearing shaft (3), and an annular preloading unit (100) for applying a predetermined preload to the inclined bearing (150), wherein the annular preloading unit (100) for applying the preload to the inclined bearing (150) comprises a plurality of spring assemblies (106) distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (2);It further relates to a container handling device (5) comprising the aforementioned bearing arrangement and a method for pre-tensioning an inclined bearing (150) of a bearing arrangement (1) for storing a container handling carousel (7) against a base frame (6) of a container handling device (5) in a beverage bottling plant.