Double-Row Four-Point Ball Bearing With Non-Crossing Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-row four-point contact ball bearings experience elastic deformation and creep due to small contact areas between the bearing ring and rolling elements, leading to abrasion, noise, and vibration, and increasing the ring thickness to mitigate this results in increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The configuration sets inner side contact angles of the balls in two rows such that their lines of action do not cross, dispersing the load and preventing deformation without increasing the ring thickness, with the relationship P > (D - PCD) / 2 × tan α × 2 ensuring non-crossing lines of action, thereby dispersing the load and suppressing elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the outer ring is increased to suppress deformation, then the rigidity of the bearing ring is improved, but the dimensions of external configurations such as the housing are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the bearing, specifically the contact angles of the balls, to optimize load distribution. By setting the contact angles such that lines of action do not cross within the bearing rings, the patent achieves improved rigidity and reduced deformation without increasing the outer ring thickness or housing dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the deformation problem by utilizing the angular dimension (contact angles) rather than solely relying on increasing radial thickness. By adjusting the contact angles in the angular dimension, the patent achieves better load distribution and reduced deformation while maintaining compact overall dimensions
2Volume of stationary object
If the contact area between bearing ring and rolling element is small, then the bearing can accommodate larger loads with smaller dimensions, but elastic deformation and creep occur more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the contact angle parameters to achieve favorable load distribution across the balls. By setting the inner side contact angles such that lines of action do not cross within the bearing rings, the patent reduces elastic deformation and creep tendency while maintaining a compact bearing size suitable for applications with space constraints
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
This configuration effectively suppresses outer and inner ring deformation, preventing creep and maintaining compact dimensions, thus reducing abrasion, noise, and vibration while ensuring efficient load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the area of contact between a bearing ring and a rolling element is small compared to that of tapered roller bearings, and therefore the bearing ring is likely to elastically deform
Implementation Method 2
a phenomenon termed as creep may occur, for example, as a result of elastic deformation of an outer ring. When an outer ring is inserted into a housing or the like of an apparatus and rotation is caused, the outer ring may deform, for example, as a result of being traced by a ball continuously
Data Source
AI summary
A double-row four-point contact ball bearing 100 according to the present invention includes an outer ring 102, an inner ring 104, and balls 106 and 108 that are arranged in two rows between the outer ring 102 and the inner ring 104 and each have four contact points. Inner side contact angles α of the balls 106 and 108 arranged in the two rows are set such that lines of action L1 and L2 that extend respectively connecting center points of the balls 106 and 108 and contact points of the balls do not cross each other in the outer ring 102.