Fiber-Reinforced Resin Oscillating Device for Bearing Superfinishing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The superfinishing process of bearing inner and outer ring raceway surfaces is time-consuming, necessitating a reduction in the weight of oscillating device components to enhance production efficiency, which has been partially addressed by using aluminum alloys but requires further weight reduction.

Innovation Solution

The oscillating device incorporates components made of fiber-reinforced resin, including hollow tubular bodies and laminated blocks, to achieve significant weight reduction while maintaining strength, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of the superfinishing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If aluminum alloy is used for oscillating device components, then weight is reduced and production efficiency is improved, but further weight reduction is still needed to shorten process time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by using fiber-reinforced resin (such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic) for the connecting rod and other oscillating device components. This composite material provides superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum alloys, enabling further weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity, thus shortening process time and improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If component weight is reduced to increase oscillating speed, then production efficiency improves, but component strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillating speedVSAvoidcomponent strength

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Fiber-reinforced resin provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing components to be made lighter for higher oscillating speed while the embedded fibers (carbon, glass, or other reinforcement) maintain structural strength and durability under dynamic loading conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs local quality by strategically orienting fibers in specific directions within the resin matrix to provide targeted strength where needed most in the connecting rod and oscillating components, optimizing both weight reduction and strength retention for high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11638976B2Oscillating device, superfinishing device, method of manufacturing bearing, method of manufacturing vehicle, and method of manufacturing machine

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 NSK LTD

AI summary

An oscillating device includes: a driving source; an oscillating member which performs an oscillating motion; and a connecting mechanism which converts a rotational motion of the driving source into an oscillating motion and transmits the oscillating motion to the oscillating member. At least one of a part or whole of a component forming the connecting mechanism is a component made of a fiber-reinforced resin, and the component made of a fiber-reinforced resin includes a reinforced fiber and a binder resin.