Ceramic Ink Marking for Durable Bearing Ring Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying mechanical components, such as RFID tags and laser markings, are not suitable for use during production due to durability and cost concerns, and may be affected by chemical treatments or environmental factors, posing risks to component integrity.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a ceramic ink that is photopolymerizable with UV light, applied via digital printing and heat treatment to create a durable marking on metallic surfaces, ensuring adhesion and legibility, even on curved surfaces, and capable of withstanding chemical treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If laser markings are used for component identification, then marking durability is improved, but cost increases and chemical attack resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking durabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the marking material by using ceramic-based inks with specific oxide compositions (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2) instead of traditional organic inks, enabling the marking to withstand chemical attacks and heat treatments while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite ceramic ink formulations combining multiple metal oxides (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2) to create a marking material that integrates multiple properties: chemical resistance, heat resistance, adhesion, and color stability, replacing single-material solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If shot-peening is used for marking, then wear resistance is improved, but cracking risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidcracking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shot-peening process with a chemical deposition process using ceramic inks that are applied through spraying or dipping, followed by heat treatment, eliminating the mechanical impact that causes cracking while achieving durable markings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If RFID tags are used for identification, then traceability is improved, but usability during production deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidusability during production

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the ceramic ink marking on the component surface before the component undergoes manufacturing processes like heat treatment or chemical coating, ensuring the marking is already in place and protected during production, enabling immediate traceability without post-production application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional inks are used for marking, then cost is reduced, but chemical treatment resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidchemical treatment resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the ink by using inorganic ceramic materials (metal oxides) instead of organic dyes, enabling the marking to withstand phosphatization, anodizing, and other chemical treatments while maintaining cost-effectiveness and industrial compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and damage-free identification method for mechanical components, enabling traceability throughout their production and working life, particularly suitable for rolling bearing rings and hub bearing units, while maintaining legibility and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a ceramic ink which is photopolymerizable with UV light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

at least partially vitrified by means of a heat treatment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVitrification: Vitrification

Data Source

PatentUS12038048B2System and method for the identification of a mechanical component, in particular a rolling bearing ring

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

System and method for the identification of a mechanical component, in particular a bearing or a hub bearing unit of a vehicle or a ring thereof, consisting of a marking applied directly onto an exposed surface of the mechanical component, performed using a photopolymerizable ceramic ink which is printed on the exposed surface by an inkjet printer having a resolution equal to, or greater than, 700 dpi and which is at least partly vitrified using a heat treatment at a temperature equal to or higher than 700° C., preferably after fixing of the ceramic ink on the exposed surface by UV irradiation.