Flanged Journal Support Sealing for Dust-Protected Rolling Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable supports with flanged journals in agricultural machines are prone to wear and reduced service-life due to contamination from external agents like earth and dust, especially under heavy loading conditions, which also increases power consumption and rapid deterioration of rolling bearings.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable support with a sealing ring composed of a retaining ring and an elastomer ring, where the retaining ring is made of a stiffer material and connected to one collar, while the elastomer ring slides against the other collar, forming a protected chamber around the rolling bearing to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a sealing ring is interposed between the first flange and the rolling bearing, then the service-life of the rolling bearing is improved, but the sealing effectiveness is insufficient as dirt can still be introduced into the rolling bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into two distinct parts: a elastomer ring for sealing contact and a retaining ring for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the elastomer ring providing flexible sealing against contamination while the retaining ring provides rigid positioning and retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring combines two different materials with complementary properties: an elastomer material for sealing flexibility and contamination resistance, and a rigid retaining ring material for structural stability. This composite structure achieves both effective sealing and durable retention that neither material could provide alone.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the rolling bearing is protected from contamination, then the service-life is improved, but the number of additional components increases affecting cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: contamination sealing, bearing retention, and positioning. By merging these functions into one element rather than using separate sealing and retaining components, the design reduces overall complexity while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it seals against dust and contaminants, retains the rolling bearing in position, and provides a mounting interface between the first and second flanged elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
3Device complexity
If dirt is introduced into the rolling bearing, then the wear accelerates and power consumption increases, but the structural simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is installed in advance to prevent contamination before it can enter the rolling bearing. This preliminary protective action stops dirt and contaminants from reaching the bearing surfaces, thereby preventing increased wear and power consumption that would result from contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer ring's ability to deform and conform to surface irregularities, which might seem like a compromise in precision, actually provides superior sealing adaptability. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain effective contact despite manufacturing tolerances or slight misalignments, ensuring reliable contamination protection.
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 sealing ring effectively prevents the ingress of dust and fluids, enhancing the service-life of the rotatable support and rolling bearing, maintaining lubrication and reducing power consumption and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer ring being configured to slide in a sealing manner against the other of the first and second collar
Implementation Method 2
the rollers are associated with the frame of the agricultural machine by means of rotatable supports comprising rolling bearings which can reduce the rolling friction of the rollers themselves
Data Source
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AI summary
Rotatable support with flanged journal, comprising a first flanged element including a first flange, a journal which extends axially from the first flange and a first collar which is coaxial relative to and which also extends with the journal, a second flanged element including a second flange and a second collar which extends axially from the second flange, there being interposed between the journal and second collar a rolling bearing by means of which the first flanged element is rotatably supported on the second flanged element, the first collar and second collar being at least partially axially superimposed, and a sealing ring which is interposed between the first flanged element and second flanged element in order to define a protected chamber for receiving the rolling bearing.