Elastic Clamping Bracket for Awning Drive Pulley Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing arrangements for awning drive pulleys face challenges with manufacturing tolerances, leading to either excessive play or excessive pressure, making assembly and operation difficult, and requiring precise post-processing to ensure a snug fit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastic loading element, such as wing-like extensions on the clamp, to hold the rolling bearing in place, allowing for laser processing without additional mechanical post-processing and compensating for belt tension, while maintaining a stable and rotation-proof mounting without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a close-tolerance transition fit is used between the bearing shell and the outer ring of the rolling bearing, then the mounting stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and post-processing effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mounting parameters from a rigid close-tolerance transition fit to an elastic interference fit using spring elements. This allows the bearing shell to have larger, more manageable tolerance ranges while maintaining stable mounting through the elastic force of the spring elements that create interference fit with the outer ring of the rolling bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements act as intermediaries between the bearing shell and the rolling bearing. They transmit the mounting force while accommodating tolerance variations, eliminating the need for precise direct fitting between the bearing shell and the outer ring of the rolling bearing.
2Productivity
If laser machining is used for the bearing shell, then the manufacturing speed is improved, but the mounting precision deteriorates due to coarse tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the tolerance parameters allowed by laser machining from a defect to a feature. The bearing shell is intentionally manufactured with larger tolerance ranges suitable for laser machining, and the spring elements compensate for these variations to achieve the required mounting precision without needing additional mechanical reworking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outer bearing ring is made tight to prevent play, then the mounting stability is improved, but the rolling bearing becomes stiff and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic elasticity through spring elements that provide a flexible interference fit. The spring elements maintain constant elastic force on the outer ring of the rolling bearing, preventing play and ensuring stability while allowing the bearing to rotate freely without becoming stiff. The elastic force adapts to operational conditions, maintaining optimal mounting pressure.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional mechanical post-processing is performed to achieve precise fit, then the mounting precision is improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the precision requirement from the bearing shell manufacturing process and transfers it to the spring element design. The bearing shell can be produced by rapid laser machining without subsequent mechanical reworking, while the spring elements are designed with precise dimensions to ensure proper interference fit and functional performance.
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 solution reduces manufacturing tolerances and post-processing effort, ensuring smooth operation and stable mounting of the rolling bearing, while allowing for easy assembly and maintenance of the drive pulley.
Implementation Method 1
the elasticity of the loading element compensates for the tension exerted by the drive belt on the drive pulley
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing arrangement for a drive pulley, in particular for an awning, comprises - at least one bearing cheek (26) with a bearing shell (27) for receiving a rolling bearing (28) for the drive pulley (23), and - a clamping bracket (31) that can be fixed to the bearing cheek (26) for holding the rolling bearing (28) in the bearing shell (27), - wherein the clamping bracket (31) has at least one elastic actuation element (33, 34) by means of which the rolling bearing (28) is held clamped in the bearing shell (27).