Rotational Coupling Bearing Shield for Contaminant Exclusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotational coupling devices face issues with contaminants such as fluids and particulates reaching the bearing, leading to reduced device life, and existing debris shields require separate assembly, which can be inconvenient and prone to improper installation.
Innovation Solution
A rotational coupling device with a shield that is pre-assembled and integrated into the hub assembly or electromagnet, inhibiting contaminants while facilitating assembly and, in some embodiments, enhancing flux transfer by deforming to improve sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seals are used to inhibit contaminants from reaching the bearing, then bearing protection is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase due to separate seal assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is integrated directly into the bearing assembly, merging the shield function with the bearing structure. This eliminates the need for separate seal components and assembly operations, thereby maintaining bearing protection while reducing device complexity and assembly difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the bearing during manufacturing, so that when the bearing is installed in the device, the shield is already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for end-users to perform separate shield assembly operations.
2Reliability
If shields are provided as separate components requiring end-user assembly, then bearing protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to assembly inconvenience and potential improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the shield into the bearing assembly, the invention combines two separate components into one unified unit. This eliminates the need for end-users to perform separate shield assembly operations, thereby maintaining bearing protection while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed to be self-installing on the bearing during manufacturing, so that the bearing arrives at the customer already equipped with proper shield protection. This self-service approach during manufacturing eliminates the need for end-user intervention in shield installation.
3Reliability
If the shield extends across the entire radial length of the air gap, then contaminant inhibition is improved, but flux transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with varying properties across its structure - it extends fully radially to provide complete contaminant protection, but incorporates localized features such as gaps, openings, or reduced density in specific areas to allow magnetic flux to pass through. This local quality variation enables simultaneous achievement of complete contaminant inhibition and adequate flux transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield utilizes thin film or shell structures that are sufficient to block contaminants but thin enough to allow magnetic flux penetration. The shield material and thickness are optimized to provide contaminant protection while maintaining magnetic flux transfer efficiency.
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 shield effectively prevents contaminants from reaching the bearing, reducing assembly errors and potential damage, and in some cases, enhances flux transfer efficiency by allowing magnetic flux to deform and seal the bearing more securely.
Implementation Method 1
a shield partially disposed within the air gap and extending across the entire radial length of the air gap
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnet is disposed on the opposite side of the disc relative to the armature and is energized and de-energized to cause the armature to engage with, and disengage from, the disc
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A rotational coupling includes a hub assembly configured for rotation about a rotational axis. The hub assembly includes a hub disposed about the axis and configured to receive a shaft and a disc extending radially outwardly from the hub. An armature and electromagnet are disposed on opposite axial sides of the disc. The electromagnet is fixed against rotation. A bearing is disposed between the hub and the electromagnet. The hub assembly and electromagnet are separated by an air gap on an outboard side of the bearing. A debris shield is axially aligned with, and extends across the radial length of, the air gap and, in some embodiments, is at least partially disposed within the air gap. The shield has a fixed end coupled to one of the hub assembly and electromagnet during assembly and a free end configured to engage the other through a spring force and/or electromagnetic attraction.