Conical Bushing for Ball Bearing Shaft Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing ball bearings onto a shaft often result in shaft deformations and are time-consuming, especially when only one end is used, limiting the ability to fix the bearings at desired locations.
Innovation Solution
A ball bearing design featuring a conical inner race and conical bushing with orifices that interlock to apply pressure on the shaft for secure fixation and easy release, allowing for mounting and dismounting at any location by narrowing and expanding when rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixing methods (screw threads, grooves, channels) are used to fix ball bearings onto a shaft, then the ball bearing can be securely fixed, but the shaft undergoes deformations and the mounting/dismantling process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A conical bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the ball bearing inner race and the shaft. The bushing has a conical outer surface that interfaces with the shaft and a conical inner surface that receives the inner race. This intermediary element distributes the clamping forces evenly across the shaft surface, preventing local deformations while securing the ball bearing in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical bushing utilizes parameter changes in its geometry - specifically the conical angle and gradual taper - to distribute the fixing forces over a larger area of the shaft. The gradual change in cross-sectional area along the cone allows for even stress distribution, eliminating the need for grooves or channels that cause stress concentrations and deformations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If locking discs or locking rings are used to fix ball bearings, then the fixation can be achieved without shaft deformations, but the mounting and dismantling processes become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conical bushing employs curved conical surfaces instead of flat or stepped geometries. The smooth conical taper allows the bushing to be simply pressed onto the shaft and the inner race, enabling quick mounting without complex locking mechanisms. The curved surface geometry facilitates easy sliding and positioning during both installation and removal operations.
3Reliability
If locking systems are designed for fixed locations, then secure fixation is achieved, but the ability to fix ball bearings at desired locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conical bushing design is universal and can be applied at any location along the shaft where ball bearings need to be fixed. The simple conical geometry requires no pre-formed features on the shaft and can accommodate various shaft diameters by selecting appropriate bushing sizes. This makes the system versatile for different application locations and configurations.
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
Enables quick and easy attachment and detachment of ball bearings at any desired location on the shaft without causing deformations, improving efficiency and flexibility in mounting and dismounting processes.
Implementation Method 1
the conical bushing is moved forward and the conical bushing becomes narrow and applies pressure onto the shaft. By this means the ball bearing is fixed onto the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball bearing is provided with an inner race (1) having a conical inner surface cooperating with a corresponding conical bushing (3) with slots (7) in order to fix the ball bearing on a shaft. An extending part of the inner race (1) of the ball bearing is provided with threads on the inner periphery cooperating with threads on the conical bushing (3). Alternatively the threads are provided on the outer periphery of the extended part of the inner race and cooperate with a nut attached with screws to the conical bushing. In a further alternative two cooperating conical bushings are provided between a cylindrical inner race and the shaft, whereby a threaded nut cooperates with threads on the inner periphery of an extended part of the cylindrical inner race.