Integrated Electromagnetic Braking in Rolling Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rolling bearings with braking devices in wind turbines and other applications face issues such as premature failure due to corrugation, complex manufacturing, additional space requirements, and undesirable magnetic fields attracting dirt, especially when trying to adjust or cancel the braking force.
Innovation Solution
An integrated braking device within the bearing arrangement using an electromagnet with a soft iron core and adjustable coil, where the braking element is part of the bearing ring, allowing for minimal installation space and adjustable braking force without external connections, utilizing an electromagnet to engage and disengage the braking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a braking device is added to rolling bearings, then rotational resistance can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is merged with the bearing structure by integrating the electromagnet directly into one of the bearing rings. The coil is arranged in the bearing ring as an integral component, eliminating the need for separate external braking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing ring serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the bearing and simultaneously houses the electromagnet components for braking control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a braking device with external components is used, then braking force can be adjusted, but additional installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet components are nested within the bearing ring structure. The coil is arranged in the bearing ring, and the anchor plate is held displaceable within the same component, allowing the braking mechanism to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining full adjustability of the braking force.
3Reliability
If permanent magnets are used for braking, then braking effect is achieved, but iron-containing dirt is attracted to the bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is made dynamic and controllable through the use of an electromagnet instead of permanent magnets. The coil can be energized or de-energized as needed, providing braking effect only when required, while avoiding the continuous magnetic field that would attract iron-containing dirt to the bearing.
4Area of stationary object
If the braking element is integrated into the bearing ring, then installation space is minimized, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated braking device is segmented into distinct functional components (coil, anchor plate, brake lining, pressure plate) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the bearing ring. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while achieving the space-saving benefits of integration.
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 solution provides a compact, easily manufacturable, and adjustable braking system that minimizes space usage, prevents undesirable twisting, and allows quick release of frictional torque, ensuring reliable operation in applications like medical devices where constant or variable braking is needed.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnet consists of the bearing ring connected to the anchor plate as a soft iron core and a coil arranged in this bearing ring as an integral bearing component
Implementation Method 2
the anchor plate connected to one of the bearing rings being separated by several in the circumferential direction spaced guide pins are held axially displaceable and can be subjected to a variable preload via a plurality of spring elements spaced apart in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 3
a brake lining which is arranged between the anchor plate and the pressure plate and is connected to the pressure plate in a rotationally fixed manner and the frictional connection can be canceled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling bearing (1) with a brake mechanism, in particular a rotary connection, comprising an outer bearing ring (2) and an inner bearing ring (3), between which rolling bodies (5) roll on assigned tracks, wherein a brake element (11) connected displaceably to one of the bearing rings (2, 3) is pressed against an opposite surface connected to the associated other bearing ring (3, 2) in order to produce a braking effect by frictional engagement and the frictional engagement can be cancelled by means of an electromagnet. According to the invention the brake element (11) is arranged as an integral bearing component inside one of the bearing rings (2, 3) and is pressed against the opposite surface by means of a spring force, wherein the spring force is variably settable and the electromagnet comprises one of the bearing rings (2, 3) as a soft-iron core and a coil (11.7) enclosing the latter.