Form-Locking Cone Coupling for Roller Bearing Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller hearth furnaces face operational interruptions and production losses due to the difficulty in efficiently replacing carrier roller bearings, which often result in irregular coatings on steel products, leading to defects and requiring frequent oven shutdowns for cleaning and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A carrier roller bearing system with a first and second bearing element, where the first bearing element is mechanically coupled with a handling device for secure removal and insertion of roller bearings, using a form-locking cone-shaped coupling mechanism to prevent slipping and ensure secure handling, and a second handling element for adjustable coupling, allowing for efficient roller bearing exchange without tilting or jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If roller bearings are replaced using conventional methods with lateral handling devices, then the roller bearings can be removed and installed, but the process requires significant operational interruptions and results in production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the handling function directly into the bearing element itself by integrating a handling element with a form-locking cone-shaped coupling mechanism directly onto the roller bearing. This allows the bearing to be grasped and manipulated by its own integrated handling feature rather than requiring external lateral handling devices, enabling quick removal and installation that minimizes operational interruptions and production losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing is equipped with its own integrated handling element and form-locking coupling mechanism, making it self-sufficient for handling operations. The bearing can be grasped, removed, and installed using its own built-in handling features without requiring separate external handling equipment, thereby streamlining the replacement process and reducing downtime.
2Reliability
If roller bearings are secured with conventional handling mechanisms, then they can be held during transport, but slipping may occur leading to tilting or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs an asymmetric form-locking cone-shaped coupling mechanism where the conical geometry provides inherent mechanical advantage. The cone shape creates a self-centering and self-locking effect that prevents slipping during handling operations, ensuring the roller bearing remains securely held without tilting or jamming while maintaining ease of operation through the simple conical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone-shaped coupling mechanism utilizes curved surfaces to achieve form-locking engagement. The conical geometry provides smooth surfaces that facilitate reliable mechanical coupling between the handling device and the roller bearing, preventing slipping while maintaining ease of operation through the geometric self-centering effect.
3Reliability
If handling devices are designed for secure coupling, then roller bearings can be firmly held, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the handling function directly into the roller bearing element by integrating a handling element with a form-locking cone-shaped coupling mechanism onto the bearing itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex external handling devices, achieving secure coupling while actually reducing overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
A roller bearing handling system for replacement or exchange of a roller bearing of a roller hearth furnace includes a base support, a pivot support arranged on the base support, and a first roller bearing handling element arranged or placed on the pivot support and which can lift a roller bearing. The pivot support is arranged on the base support and is able to swivel about a stationary pivot point relative to the base support. A second carrier roller bearing handling element is arranged on the base support for handling a roller bearing and is able to be adjusted between a handling position, in which the second roller bearing handling element can mechanically couple and connect in a form-locking manner with the roller bearing for roller bearing replacement and a release position in which the mechanical coupling and form-locking connection between the roller bearing and the carrier roller bearing handling element is released is released.