Conductive Bearing Element With Embedded Copper Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing systems with insulating coatings hinder electrical conductivity, requiring additional strapping or components that increase weight and cost, while conductive lubricants can migrate and attract contaminants, affecting service life.

Innovation Solution

An electrically conductive bearing system with a support member and bearing element, featuring an electrically conductive element, such as a pin, that forms a conductive bridge between components, ensuring continuous conductivity without additional weight or cost, using ductile materials like copper or bronze that deform for consistent contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an insulating coating is applied to bearing components, then friction is reduced and wear is minimized, but electrical conductivity is blocked requiring additional strapping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing performanceVSAvoidadditional strapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing element is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insulating coating layer for friction reduction, and embedded electrically conductive elements (such as copper or bronze wires/mesh) forming separate conductivity pathways. This segmentation allows each material to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electrically conductive elements act as intermediary components within the bearing element, bridging the electrical gap created by the insulating coating. These conductive elements are embedded in the bearing structure to provide continuous electrical pathways between bearing components without requiring external strapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional strapping or bridges are added to maintain electrical conductivity, then electrical flow path is maintained, but weight of the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidstructure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductivity function is merged into the bearing element itself by embedding conductive elements during manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate external strapping or bridge components, thereby maintaining electrical conductivity while avoiding additional weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support and low-friction operation through its insulating coating, while also maintaining electrical conductivity through embedded conductive elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated conductivity components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electrically conductive grease is used to maintain conductivity, then electrical flow path is maintained, but grease migrates creating openings in conductive path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidconductive path continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the grease-based electrical conduction mechanism with a solid/embedded conductive element system. The conductive elements are permanently embedded in the bearing element structure, providing stable and continuous electrical pathways that do not migrate or degrade over time, unlike conductive grease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conductive bearing shield or ribs are added, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but weight or component cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidbearing assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Maintains electrical conductivity across bearing systems without additional strapping or weight, reducing manufacturing constraints and component costs, while minimizing contamination risks through a self-sustaining conductive path.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically conductive element provided in the bearing element forming an electrically conductive flow path to the support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

using ductile materials like copper or bronze that deform for consistent contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2955395B1Electrically conductive bearing system and manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2020.08.12 KAMATICS CORP

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AI summary

An electrically conductive bearing system including a support member (4) having an inner surface (7), a bearing element (12,20) provided at the inner surface of the support member, and an electrically conductive element (40) provided in the bearing element forming an electrically conductive flow path from the bearing element to the support member.