Double-Row Needle Track Roller Bearing for Axial Thrust Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art double row needle roller track roller bearings cannot accommodate axial thrust loads without significant wear and friction, requiring frequent lubrication to mitigate these issues.
Innovation Solution
A double row needle track roller bearing design featuring a single piece outer ring with radially inward facing roller and ball races, and an inner ring assembly with axially abutting rings, allowing for axial thrust load accommodation without the need for periodic re-greasing, utilizing a lubricant retained within the bearing during assembly and preventing further lubricant introduction post-assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a bushing is used to carry axial thrust load in prior art double row needle roller bearings, then axial thrust load capacity is improved, but wear and friction increase significantly requiring frequent lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into two functional segments: needle rollers for radial loads and ball elements for axial thrust loads. This segmentation allows each element type to optimize its performance for its specific load direction, with balls providing lower friction for axial loads compared to bushings.
Solution Approach 2:
Ball elements are introduced as intermediary elements between the inner and outer rings to handle axial thrust loads. These balls roll between the rings, providing a low-friction interface that mediates the axial load transmission without the high friction and wear associated with bushing-based solutions.
2Reliability
If frequent lubrication is provided to the bushing, then wear and friction are mitigated, but maintenance complexity and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is designed as a sealed, maintenance-free unit where lubrication is applied during assembly and retained throughout operation. The bearing serves itself by maintaining its own lubrication without requiring external intervention, periodic re-greasing, or operational shutdowns for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Lubrication is applied in advance during the assembly process, before the bearing enters service. This preliminary lubrication action is sufficient for the entire operational life of the bearing, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance and allowing the bearing to operate autonomously without human intervention.
3Force
If a ball bearing is added to accommodate axial thrust loads, then axial load capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing design achieves multi-functionality by combining needle rollers and ball elements within a single integrated structure. The needle rollers handle radial loads while the ball elements simultaneously handle axial thrust loads, creating a universal bearing capable of承受ing both load directions without requiring separate bearing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional capabilities of separate needle roller bearings and ball bearings are merged into a single double-row needle track roller bearing with ball elements. This combination integrates radial and axial load carrying capabilities into one unified component, reducing the need for multiple separate bearings and associated mounting hardware.
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 bearing effectively carries axial thrust loads with reduced wear and friction, eliminating the need for continuous lubrication and enhancing operational reliability by maintaining lubrication within the bearing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first rollers each of which have a first roller diameter. Each of the plurality of first rollers rollingly engage the first outer roller race and the first inner roller race
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second rollers each of which have a second roller diameter. Each of the plurality of second rollers rollingly engage the second outer roller race and the second inner roller race
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of balls each of which have a ball diameter and a center point. Each of the plurality of balls rollingly engage the outer ball race and the inner ball race
Implementation Method 4
A frequent supply of lubricant must be provided to the bushing to mitigate the wear and friction... eliminating the need for continuous lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing includes an outer ring with a first outer roller race, a second outer roller race, and a radially inward facing outer ball race. The bearing includes a first and second inner rings that axially abutting one another at an abutment interface. The first inner ring has a first inner roller race, the second inner ring has a second inner roller race that are disposed in an interior area coaxially with the outer ring. A plurality of first rollers rollingly engage the first outer roller race and the first inner roller race. A plurality of second rollers rollingly engage the second outer roller race and the second inner roller race. A plurality of balls rollingly engage the outer ball race and the inner ball race.