Clamped Cover Support Roller for Combined Radial and Axial Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Support rollers face limitations in load-bearing capacity and service life due to high radial and axial loads, as well as contamination issues, which lead to wear and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The support roller design incorporates an outer and inner ring with rolling elements in multiple rows, along with clamped covers that set defined bearing clearance, providing both radial and axial support, and featuring sealing arrangements to minimize contamination and wear. The covers are not permanently connected, allowing for adjustable preload and improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a radial bearing is used to support simultaneous radial and axial loads, then the support roller can handle combined loading conditions, but the load-bearing capacity is limited due to tilting moments generated by axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into two functional parts: a radial bearing component for radial loads and an axial bearing component (with covers and second rolling elements) for axial loads and tilting moments. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its load-bearing function, resolving the contradiction by distributing stress across specialized structures rather than overloading a single radial bearing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges radial and axial bearing functions into a single integrated support roller assembly. The radial bearing (first rolling elements) and axial bearing (covers with second rolling elements) work together as a unified system, combining their load-bearing capabilities to handle both radial forces and axial tilting moments simultaneously, thereby increasing overall load capacity and reliability.
2Strength
If the covers are permanently connected (screwed) to the outer or inner ring, then the structural integrity is enhanced, but the load-bearing capacity of the support bearing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the load-bearing function by using clamping mechanisms instead of permanent screw connections. The covers are clamped to the outer or inner ring through deformable clamping elements that provide sufficient structural integrity without creating stress concentration points that would reduce the overall load-bearing capacity of the bearing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method is changed from rigid permanent fastening (screws) to flexible clamping with adjustable parameters. The clamping force and positioning can be optimized to balance structural integrity requirements with load-bearing capacity, allowing the covers to be securely attached without compromising the bearing's ability to withstand high loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bearing clearance is not precisely adjusted, then the assembly is simpler, but the performance and service life of the support roller are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing clearance is preliminarily set during the manufacturing process through precision machining of the covers and clamping elements. The clamping mechanism is designed with built-in clearance adjustment features that automatically establish the optimal clearance range, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments while ensuring reliable performance and extended service life.
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
This design enhances the load-bearing capacity and service life of the support roller by effectively absorbing tilting moments and reducing contamination ingress, resulting in improved performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
first rolling elements (4) that can roll on raceways (2a, 3a) between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (3)
Implementation Method 2
each cover (5a, 5b) has at least one first sealing arrangement (10a, 10b) designed to seal against the outer ring (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a support roller (1, 1) with an outer ring (2), an inner ring (3), and first rolling elements (4) that can roll between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (3) on raceways (2a, 3a), the first rolling elements being arranged side by side in at least two rows (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), the roller being further comprised of two covers (5a, 5b), each of which is arranged on an end face (20, 21) of the outer ring (2), and the roller being further comprised of second rolling elements (7) that can roll between the outer ring (2) and each of the covers (5a, 5b), the second rolling elements being arranged in at least one row (9a, 9b). The covers (5a, 5b) are attached to the outer ring (2) or the inner ring (3) by clamping.