Instrumented Bearing Integrating Sensor Into Isolating Flange

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional instrumented bearings face challenges in signal transmission and power supply due to the external placement of measuring devices, which increases the overall size and complicates integration with the bearing.

Innovation Solution

The measuring device is integrated into a metal flange isolating the rolling chamber, featuring a flexible sealing portion and a wireless emitter, allowing for signal transmission and power supply through a channel while using microcapsules for irreversible parameter detection and display, reducing the overall size and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the measuring device is disposed outside the bearing, then the measurement can be performed, but the overall size of the instrumented bearing increases and the measurement is influenced by the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoverall size of instrumented bearing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measuring device with the bearing cage by integrating it into the isolating member that is already part of the bearing structure. The isolating member with mounting provisions for the measuring device is assembled as part of the bearing, eliminating the need for separate external mounting and reducing overall size while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of stationary object

If the measuring device is integrated into the bearing cage, then the overall size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to transmit signals from the device to the outside and supply power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall size of instrumented bearingVSAvoidsignal transmission and power supply complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolating member acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the internal measuring device and the external environment. It provides integrated mounting provisions, signal transmission pathways, and power supply connections while maintaining the bearing's functional isolation, thus simplifying the overall integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the measuring device is mounted to the isolating member, then integration is improved and size is reduced, but the isolating member structure must be modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of isolating member

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The isolating member is segmented into functional zones: a rigid support portion for structural integrity and mounting, and a flexible sealing portion for environmental isolation. The mounting provisions are integrated into these segments, allowing the measuring device to be mounted without compromising the isolating member's primary functions of support and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9670961B2Instrumented bearing and method of manufacturing such an instrumented bearing

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

An instrumented bearing, which includes an outer race and an inner race between which a rolling chamber is delimited. Rolling bodies are disposed in the rolling chamber. The bearing additionally includes a member isolating the rolling chamber from the outside; and a measuring device including at least one sensor adapted to measure at least one operating parameter of the instrumented bearing. At least one measuring device can be mounted to the member isolating the rolling chamber from the outside.