Crown-Type Bearing Retainer Geometry for High-Speed Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball bearings face challenges in high-speed rotation due to centrifugal force-induced deformation, wear, vibration, and heat generation, which are not adequately addressed by existing weight reduction techniques in crown type cages.
Innovation Solution
A crown type cage design with specific dimensional and structural modifications, including reduced outer diameter and axial width of claw portions, offset openings, and increased radius of curvature of spherical pockets, to minimize centrifugal force and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the cage weight is reduced to enable high-speed rotation, then the centrifugal force expansion is suppressed, but the cage strength and deformation resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a thinned portion at a specific location (end surface opposite to the pocket forming portion) rather than uniformly thinning the entire cage. This localized material removal reduces overall weight and centrifugal force while preserving the structural integrity and strength of critical load-bearing areas. The thinned portion specifically addresses mass balance in the axial direction without compromising the cage's ability to withstand high-speed rotation forces.
2Weight of moving object
If the cage weight is reduced further, then the centrifugal force is reduced, but the cage deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the cage structure. Specifically, it creates a thinned portion with controlled dimensions at the end surface, changing the mass distribution parameter while maintaining structural stability. This localized geometric modification reduces the overall weight and centrifugal force expansion, yet the careful design of the thinned portion's size and position ensures that cage deformation is controlled and does not exceed acceptable limits during high-speed operation.
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 modified cage design effectively reduces centrifugal force, suppressing deformation, wear, and heat generation, ensuring stable operation at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
it is required that (i) the centrifugal force expansion of the cage is suppressed and the stress generated at the bottom portion of the pocket is reduced to prevent fatigue fracture
Data Source
AI summary
An outer diameter of a claw portion is smaller than an outer diameter of a main portion, a radial width of the claw portion is ½ or less of a radial width of the main portion, an axial width from an upper surface of a connection portion of a pillar portion to a bottom surface of the main portion is ½ or less of an axial width of a crown type cage for a ball bearing, and in the main portion, an opening portion is provided between adjacent pockets.