Double-Row Roller Bearing Preload Assembly for Medical Pumps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical pumps, such as syringe pumps, face challenges with complex and costly assembly processes due to high precision requirements, limited installation space, and high friction in bearing concepts, leading to difficulties in achieving reproducible and precise installation of bearings.

Innovation Solution

A double-row rolling bearing unit with a bearing core, bearing bush, and bearing pot, featuring a preload element that couples the bearing pot with the bearing bush for defined preload, and support elements that can deflect radially for simplified installation, reducing the number of components and assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple individual bearings are used to achieve precise support, then the bearing precision is improved, but the assembly complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual bearings into a single integrated double-row bearing unit. The bearing unit comprises an outer ring with two outer raceways and an inner ring with two inner raceways, where rolling elements are arranged in two rows between the inner and outer rings. This merging of multiple bearing functions into one component reduces assembly complexity while maintaining precise support capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The double-row bearing unit performs multiple support functions simultaneously. It provides radial and axial support in both directions (positive and negative) through its two rows of rolling elements, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate bearings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional bearing assembly methods are used, then the bearing support function is achieved, but the assembly time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing support functionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the bearing races, rolling elements, and cage into a single pre-assembled double-row bearing unit. This combined structure can be installed as one component rather than assembling multiple individual bearings, significantly reducing assembly time and cost while maintaining reliable bearing support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If bearing components are tightly fitted to reduce play, then the bearing precision is improved, but the installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing playVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a cage that dynamically positions and retains the rolling elements within the bearing unit. The cage allows for controlled assembly while ensuring the rolling elements remain properly positioned, facilitating easier installation while maintaining precise bearing performance with minimal play.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution simplifies the installation of the rolling bearing unit, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures precise and reproducible assembly, while providing a play-free and compact bearing unit that can handle high axial loads with reduced friction, enhancing the operational safety and accuracy of medical pumps.

Implementation Method 1

At least one preload element is provided, which couples the bearing cup to the bearing bush with a defined preload/adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The support elements are elastic in order to be able to deflect radially inward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3864310B1Double-row roller bearing unit with preload element
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 B BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
  • EP3864310B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3864310B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3864310B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a double-row rolling-element bearing unit (9) of a medical pump (1), preferably syringe pump, which rolling-element has a bearing core (19), which forms a first inner running surface (26) for first rolling elements (24), which first inner running surface faces in an axial direction, and forms a second inner running surface (27) for second rolling elements (28), which second inner running surface is arranged oppositely to the first inner running surface (26) in the axial direction. Furthermore, the pump (1) has a bearing bush (14), which can be mounted on a housing portion (10) and forms a first outer running surface (23), which lies opposite the first inner running surface (26), and the pump has a bearing cup (17), which forms a second outer running surface (29), which lies opposite the second inner running surface (27). At least one preloading element (16) is provided, which couples the bearing cup (17) to the bearing bush (14) with a defined preload in order to join the double-row rolling-element bearing unit (9) as a unit.