Inductive Sensor Bearing Layout for Compact Rotation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing systems with sensors lack a compact design, making it difficult to integrate sensor components within the bearing, and current designs complicate handling and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A bearing system with a torque-proof inductive sensor where the stator is connected to the inner ring and the rotor to the outer ring, or vice versa, allowing for distinct bearing and sensor areas, enabling a more integral and compact design by using a spacer to maintain a defined distance between the sensor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensor components are integrated within the bearing, then compact design is achieved, but it becomes difficult to integrate sensor components within the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into distinct bearing area and sensor area by shoulders on the inner and outer rings. This segmentation allows separate optimization of bearing functionality and sensor integration, making it easier to manufacture while achieving compact overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the stator and the inner/outer ring. The spacer simplifies the integration process by providing a predefined mounting structure for the sensor components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If sensor components are integrated within the bearing, then a compact design is achieved, but handling and manufacturing become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bearing into bearing area and sensor area using shoulders, the patent enables modular assembly. The sensor components can be pre-assembled in the sensor area and then integrated with the bearing, simplifying handling during assembly while maintaining compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer serves multiple functions: it maintains the defined distance between sensor components, provides a mounting structure for the stator, and facilitates easy integration during assembly. This multi-functionality improves handling ease while achieving compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing and sensor areas are divided by shoulders, then distinct bearing and sensor areas are created, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulders create clear segmentation between bearing and sensor areas, providing adaptability for sensor placement while using simple geometric features (shoulders and spacers) rather than complex mechanisms, thus balancing versatility with structural simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If a spacer is used to maintain defined distance, then precise sensor positioning is achieved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as a simple intermediary component that provides precise positioning through its fixed geometry. Rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, the spacer's defined dimensions directly establish the required sensor distances, achieving manufacturing precision with minimal added complexity.
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 configuration allows for a more compact and integral bearing system with improved handling and manufacturing, enabling high-resolution measurements of rotational speed and position without rotating the inner ring relative to the outer ring, and ensures the sensor is completely sealed and efficiently positioned within the bearing.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (6) for detecting a measured variable corresponding to a rotation of the outer ring (4) relative to the inner ring (2), whereat the sensor (6) comprises a stator (6.1) and a rotor (6.2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing, comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4) rotatable relative to said inner ring (2), a sensor (6) for detecting a measured variable corresponding to a rotation of said outer ring (4) relative to said inner ring (2), whereat said sensor (6) comprises a stator (6.1) and a rotor (6.2). In order to provide a bearing with a more compact design, said sensor (6) is built as an inductive sensor (6) and said stator is torque-proof connected to said inner ring and said rotor is torque-proof connected to said outer ring or said stator (6.1) is torque- proof connected to said outer ring (4) and said rotor (6.2) is torque-proof connected to said inner ring (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a system, comprising a torque-proof part and a rotating part rotatable relative to said torque-proof part and a bearing comprising an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4).