Multi-Row Rolling Bearing With Inclined Axial Rows for Radial Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-diameter roller bearings face challenges in absorbing uneven axial forces and preventing radial movements between inner and outer rings, leading to potential deformation and increased structural dimensions, which is not efficiently addressed by existing designs.

Innovation Solution

Designing at least one row of axial roller bearings with an inclination of greater than 0° to 45° to absorb radial forces and deformations, allowing for a compact and space-saving design without the need for additional radial bearings, and optionally incorporating a single radial bearing to counteract ring movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single radial bearing is provided to prevent radial movements, then radial forces are absorbed, but the bearing becomes bulky and structural dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial force absorptionVSAvoidbearing structural dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines axial and radial bearing functions into a single integrated structure. The annular nose serves dual purposes: it supports axial loads through the axial roller bearings while simultaneously preventing radial movements through its geometric engagement with the annular groove. This merging eliminates the need for separate radial bearings, reducing overall bearing volume while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular nose is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both axial support and radial constraint functions. By making this single component universal, the patent avoids the bulkiness of multiple specialized bearings, achieving space-efficient design without compromising radial force absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two rows of radial bearings are provided on opposite sides of the annular nose, then radial deformations are prevented, but the bearing becomes even bulkier and installation space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial deformation preventionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radial constraint function into the axial bearing structure itself. The annular groove geometry and annular nose configuration work together to prevent radial deformations without requiring separate radial bearing rows. This integration maintains radial deformation prevention while minimizing installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the radial bearing function from the traditional multi-bearing configuration and integrates it into the annular nose-groove geometry. This extraction eliminates the need for additional radial bearing rows, reducing the bearing's overall footprint and installation space while maintaining radial deformation prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If axial roller bearing rows are inclined at an angle, then radial forces are absorbed, but axial load-bearing capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial force absorptionVSAvoidaxial load-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the inclination angle parameter of the axial roller bearing rows to achieve a balance between radial force absorption and axial load-bearing capacity. By carefully selecting the angle within the 0° to 45° range, the design maximizes radial support while minimizing the negative impact on axial capacity, resolving the trade-off between these two force absorption requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3721106B1Multi-row rolling bearing
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS BIBERACH GMBH
  • EP3721106B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3721106B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3721106B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A multi-row rolling bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring and at least two axial rolling bearing rows for supporting axial forces between the inner and outer ring, wherein the two axial rolling bearing rows are seated on opposite axial sides of a radially projecting annular lug which engages in an annular groove and which is supported by means of said axial rolling bearing rows against the annular groove. According to the invention, at least one of the axial rolling bearing rows is formed as an angular-contact roller bearing with an angle of inclination of greater than 0° to at most 45°.