Instrumented Bearing Casing Axial Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instrumented bearings face challenges in achieving accurate mounting of sensor units due to the low dimensional accuracy of grooves on fixed rings, leading to unsatisfactory mounting accuracy of sensing elements.

Innovation Solution

The instrumented bearing incorporates a casing with a peripheral wall featuring alternated snap and blocking portions around the central axis, which are mounted on the fixed ring, ensuring precise axial positioning and improved mounting accuracy of the sensing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a groove is used to mount the sensor casing on the fixed ring, then the mounting process is simplified, but the dimensional accuracy of the groove is low, resulting in unsatisfactory mounting accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting process simplicityVSAvoidmounting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting interface is segmented into multiple functional elements: snap portions for radial engagement and axial blocking portions for axial positioning. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally, with blocking portions providing precise axial positioning independent of the groove's dimensional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Axial blocking portions act as intermediary elements between the casing and the fixed ring, providing a new reference surface for axial positioning that is more accurate than the groove itself. These blocking portions create a mediating interface that transfers and refines the positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the sensing element is mounted in a groove on the fixed ring, then the sensor unit can be installed, but the low accuracy of the groove compromises the axial positioning of the casing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installationVSAvoidangular position sensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The axial blocking portions are designed to engage with the fixed ring before the sensing element operates, establishing a precise axial reference position in advance. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the sensing element operates from an accurately positioned baseline, improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positioning parameter reference from the groove geometry to the blocking portion geometry. By shifting the reference from radial groove dimensions to axial blocking surface dimensions, the system achieves better axial positioning accuracy for the sensing element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the axial positioning of the casing, resulting in improved mounting accuracy and stability of the sensor unit, thereby enhancing the sensing accuracy and efficiency of the instrumented bearing.

Implementation Method 1

the casing comprises a peripheral wall mounted on the fixed ring and which includes at least one snap portion adapted to be received in a recess of a cylindrical surface of the fixed ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

at least one axial blocking portion adapted to abut against a lateral surface of the fixed ring, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the instrumented bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2682621B1Instrumented bearing
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
  • EP2682621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2682621B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2682621B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This instrumented bearing comprises a bearing and a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the rotatable ring with respect to the fixed ring of the bearing, an encoder element which is fast with the rotatable ring, and a sensing element (640) fast with the fixed ring, adapted to sense a parameter representative of the rotation speed of the rotatable ring. The sensing element (640) is mounted in a casing (66) fast with the fixed ring (44). The casing (66) comprises a peripheral wall (666) mounted on the fixed ring and which includes at least one snap portion (666b) adapted to be received in a recess of a surface of the fixed ring, and at least one axial blocking portion (666a) adapted to abut against a lateral surface of the fixed ring, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the instrumented bearing. The or each snap portion (666b) and the or each blocking portion (666a) are alternated around a central axis (X6).