Elastic Centering Assembly for Bearing Ring Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding elements struggle to center bearing rings accurately within receiving openings due to insufficient radial tolerances, leading to potential damage from excessive radial forces during screw-fastening, especially in environments with temperature changes and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A centering assembly with at least three elastically deformable centering elements, such as spring steel plates or plastic clips, is used around the circumference of the receiving opening to radially center the bearing ring, providing a uniform clearance and preventing large radial contact forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the bearing ring is inserted directly into the receiving opening without centering elements, then the installation process is simpler, but large radial contact forces occur during screw-fastening that can cause cracks in the bearing ring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbearing ring integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Centering elements are introduced as intermediary components between the bearing ring and the receiving opening. These elements mediate the contact interaction, distributing radial forces uniformly across multiple contact points rather than concentrating them at the opening edge, thereby preventing bearing ring cracks during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering elements modify the contact parameters by changing the force distribution pattern from concentrated edge contact to distributed radial contact. This parameter change in force distribution allows the bearing ring to be fastened securely without exceeding material strength limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the receiving opening has tight radial tolerances to precisely center the bearing ring, then centering accuracy is improved, but the radial clearance is insufficient to allow alignment movement without causing excessive radial forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering accuracyVSAvoidalignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The centering elements serve as adaptable intermediaries that accommodate both precise centering and alignment movement needs. They maintain accurate radial positioning while allowing the bearing ring to shift radially for shaft alignment, bridging the contradiction between tight tolerances and movement flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering elements provide dynamic adaptability during installation. They can accommodate radial movement for alignment purposes while maintaining precise centering once positioned, transforming the static tolerance constraint into a dynamic solution that adapts to installation requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the bearing ring is held firmly against the receiving opening edge to prevent movement, then positioning stability is improved, but alignment of the bearing ring relative to the shaft becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The centering elements act as mediators that provide stable radial positioning while allowing controlled movement for alignment. They maintain the bearing ring centered in the receiving opening yet permit the necessary adjustment movements to achieve proper shaft alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 centering assembly ensures precise alignment of the bearing ring relative to the shaft without causing excessive radial forces, preventing damage to the bearing ring and holding element, and allows for compensation of positional tolerances during mounting.

Implementation Method 1

at least three centering elements (101a, 101b, 101c; 201a, 201b, 201c; 301a, 301b, 301c) which each are elastically deformable in the radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9222518B2Device for centering a bearing ring in a holding element

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A centering assembly (100; 200; 400) serves to center a bearing ring (123; 423) in a circular opening (111) of a holding element (110; 210; 510; 610). The centering assembly (100; 200; 400) includes at least three centering elements (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) that are each elastically deformable in the radial direction of the bearing ring. The centering elements (101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) are respectively disposed in recesses (114; 214; 514; 614) defined around a circumferential edge of the circular opening. The centering elements urge the bearing ring to be centered relative to the holding element.