Linear Roller Bearing Segmented Self-Retaining Bush
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear roller bearings suffer from limited space utilization, resulting in reduced load capacity, noise, and service life due to narrow deflection radii and small rolling elements, with non-adjustable designs requiring separate tools for installation.
Innovation Solution
A self-retaining bearing bush design that maximizes available space by using large rolling elements, with radially engaging holding elements and cage elements that allow independent adjustment, distributing load evenly across raceways and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional housings with longitudinal webs are used to hold linear roller bearings, then the bearing is securely mounted, but space is lost for rolling element rotation resulting in narrow deflection radii and reduced load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the longitudinal webs from the housing structure that were previously necessary for mounting. By extracting these space-consuming elements and replacing them with a friction-fit mounting system, the patent creates additional space for rolling element rotation while maintaining secure mounting through the bearing's own structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing segments are designed with integrated mounting features (protrusions fitting into recesses) that allow the bearing itself to serve as its own mounting structure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate longitudinal webs, maximizing internal space while ensuring secure installation
2Ease of operation
If non-adjustable linear roller bearings are used with spring washers, then the segments are held together, but separate tools are required for installation in grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing segments incorporate self-aligning and self-retaining features through their geometric design. The protrusions and recesses automatically guide the segments into proper positioning during installation, eliminating the need for separate alignment tools or complex mounting procedures while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external tools or complex mechanisms to achieve alignment and retention, the patent inverts the approach by building the alignment and retention functionality directly into the bearing segments' geometry, allowing them to self-position and self-retain during installation
3Reliability
If the bearing design allows independent segment adjustment, then load is distributed evenly across raceways, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into independent segments that can adjust individually. Each segment maintains its own raceway and rolling elements, allowing independent positioning and load distribution. This segmentation enables even load distribution across all raceways while keeping each segment's structure relatively simple and modular
Data Source
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AI summary
The linear roller bearing (10) has multiple individual segments (20), where each segment has a support plate (15) clustered around a central axis (14) of the bearing. Holding elements (40) are arranged at front ends of a cage element (22) outside a circulation area of rolling bodies (13). The segments hold or connect each other to a self-holding bearing bush in a circumferential direction.