Hydraulic Two-Part Bearing Inner Ring for Precision Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bearing mounting and dismounting methods are complex, costly, and time-consuming, especially for large bearings, and often require expensive and bulky induction heaters or precision-toleranced shafts, with difficulties in achieving high precision and compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A bearing with a two-part inner ring design that integrates a hydraulic function for mounting, featuring a radially outer and inner surface with different diameters, a pressure chamber, and fluid ducts for pressurization, allowing for easy mounting and controlled dismounting without the need for precision shaft tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermal mounting methods (heating bearing to increase inner diameter) are used, then the bearing can be mounted onto the shaft, but the process becomes complicated, expensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic pressure to drive the inner ring axially along the shaft, achieving secure mounting without thermal processes. Fluid is introduced through a duct into a cavity between the inner and outer rings, generating axial force that pushes the inner ring into its final position on the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex thermal mounting systems (induction heaters) with a simpler hydraulic actuation system. The bearing itself contains the necessary cavities and ducts to receive hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for external heating equipment and reducing both time and cost.
2Reliability
If tapered bores and tapered seatings are used to achieve interference fit, then the preferred interference fit is obtained, but the solution becomes costly and requires separate sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into two separate rings: an inner ring and an outer ring. The cavity is formed between these segmented parts, allowing hydraulic pressure to be applied effectively. This segmentation enables the hydraulic mounting mechanism without requiring tapered geometries or additional sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design integrates multiple functions: the cavity serves both as a space for hydraulic fluid and as a mechanism for axial actuation. The duct system serves both as a structural element and as the fluid delivery pathway. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tapered seatings and sleeves.
3Ease of manufacture
If induction heaters are used for mounting bearings, then the bearing can be heated to increase inner diameter, but the equipment becomes costly and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing contains self-contained hydraulic cavities and ducts that enable it to be mounted using minimal external equipment. The bearing structure itself provides the necessary chambers and pathways for hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for bulky external heating or mounting devices.
4Measurement precision
If conventional cylindrical bore bearings are mounted, then the bearing can be installed, but achieving high precision requires precision-toleranced shafts which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic pressure provides controlled, precise axial movement of the inner ring along the shaft. The fluid pressure can be precisely regulated, enabling accurate positioning and mounting precision without requiring the shaft itself to have tight tolerances. The hydraulic system absorbs the precision requirements.
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 design enables precise and efficient mounting and dismounting of bearings with reduced risk of damage, eliminates the need for expensive tapered seating, and allows for compact and cost-effective solutions, particularly in applications like wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
A cavity, which in use acts as a pressure chamber, is located between the first and second parts... when pressurizing the cavity, a relative axial movement between the first and second parts is accomplished
Implementation Method 2
the cavity has a first surface on the first part and a second surface on the second part axially spaced apart, and wherein normal vectors of the first and second surfaces have vector components in axial direction, such that when pressurizing the cavity, a relative axial movement between the first and second parts is accomplished
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing (4) includes an outer ring (6), rolling elements (5) and a two-part inner ring (A). The two-part inner ring (A) includes a first part (1) having a radially outer surface (11) and an inner bore (12). Furthermore, the two-part inner ring (A) includes a second part (2) having a radially inner surface (21) and at least one raceway (22) for rolling elements. The radially outer surface (11) of the first part (1) essentially matches the radially inner surface (21) of the second part (2). A cavity (3), which in use acts as a pressure chamber, is located between the first and second parts (1, 2). When pressurizing the cavity (3), a relative axial movement between the first and second parts (1, 2) is accomplished.