Low-Torque Bearing Geometry for Film Winding Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearings face challenges in achieving low friction torque, which can lead to uneven film thickness or breakage in applications like lithium battery film winding machines.
Innovation Solution
The bearing design incorporates an inner ring with an inner raceway and an outer ring with an outer raceway, featuring rolling elements with a diameter that satisfies Dr≤0.35*(H1−H2), and raceways with relative groove curvatures of 0.52≤Ri≤0.58 and 0.53≤Re≤0.58, respectively. Additionally, the use of lubricating oil with low viscosity and non-contact sealing further reduces friction torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the diameter of rolling elements is reduced, then the friction torque is reduced, but the bearing may not provide sufficient load support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the raceways by optimizing the groove curvature radii (Ri and Re) to be within specific ranges (0.52≤Ri≤0.58 and 0.53≤Re≤0.58). This parameter optimization allows the bearing to achieve low friction torque with small rolling elements while maintaining adequate load support through improved contact geometry and stress distribution.
2Force
If the groove curvature radius is increased, then the friction between rolling elements and raceway is reduced, but the contact area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the groove curvature radii parameters (Ri and Re) within specific ranges to achieve the best balance. By setting 0.52≤Ri≤0.58 and 0.53≤Re≤0.58, the design reduces friction through increased curvature while maintaining sufficient contact area through the optimized geometric relationship between the curvature radius and rolling element diameter.
3Force
If non-contact sealing is used, then the friction torque is reduced, but the sealing effect may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal ring as an intermediary component that creates a non-contact sealing interface. The seal ring is positioned to form a gap with the inner ring, creating a barrier against contaminants while avoiding direct contact friction. This intermediary structure achieves both low friction torque and adequate sealing effect.
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 design significantly reduces the friction torque experienced by the bearing during rotation, enhancing its overall performance and preventing issues like uneven film thickness or breakage in lithium battery film winding applications.
Implementation Method 1
lubricating oil is provided on the inner raceway and the outer raceway, and the viscosity of the lubricating oil is less than 25 cSt at a temperature of 40° C.
Implementation Method 2
The seal is fixed to a first one of the outer ring or the inner ring, and a gap is provided between the seal and the other one of the outer ring or the inner ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing includes an inner ring having an inner raceway, an outer ring having an outer raceway, rolling elements located between the inner raceway and the outer raceway and a cage for holding the rolling elements. A diameter Dr of the rolling elements satisfies Dr≤0.35*(H1−H2), where H1 is an outer diameter of the outer ring, and H2 is an inner diameter of the inner ring, and a relative groove curvature Ri of the inner raceway satisfies 0.52≤Ri≤0.58, and/or a relative groove curvature Re of the outer raceway satisfies 0.53≤Re≤0.58.