Open-Centred Rolling Bearing Layout for Radial Deformation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large center-free roller bearings face issues with radial deformations and misalignment under high loads, leading to premature wear and increased weight and cost due to thick cross-sections required for stability, especially in large diameters like those used in cranes where bending moments and tilting forces are significant.
Innovation Solution
The bearing rings are supported radially by at least three radial bearings distributed on both inner and outer peripheral sides, with additional axial bearings arranged to absorb forces and prevent overloading, allowing for thinner cross-sections and reduced material usage, and countersunk raceways are used to accommodate larger rolling elements in a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cross-sections of the bearing rings are increased to resist fracture and fatigue, then the strength and stability are improved, but the weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is divided into modular components: multiple radial bearings (at least three) distributed on inner and outer circumferential sides, and multiple axial bearings (at least two) on opposite end faces. This segmentation allows load distribution across multiple contact points, enabling thinner bearing rings while maintaining strength through optimized load paths rather than increased cross-sectional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different bearing types and arrangements at different locations: radial bearings are positioned at specific angular intervals to handle radial loads, while axial bearings at the ends handle axial loads. This localized optimization allows each region to be precisely sized for its specific load requirements, avoiding the need to uniformly thicken all bearing ring sections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cross-sections of the bearing rings are increased to prevent radial deformation, then the stability under load is improved, but the weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radial bearings are distributed around the inner and outer circumferences, creating multiple localized support points that collectively prevent radial deformation. This segmented approach to load support allows thinner ring sections between bearing contact points while maintaining overall structural stability through the distributed bearing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane bearing arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed configuration with radial bearings on both inner and outer circumferential sides and axial bearings on opposite end faces. This multi-dimensional arrangement of support points provides comprehensive stability against radial deformation without requiring increased ring thickness.
3Force
If wide cylindrical rollers are used to ensure sufficient contact area, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the sensitivity to tilting and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a few wide rollers, the patent uses multiple narrower radial bearings distributed around the circumference. This segmentation of the load-bearing function into multiple contact points reduces the sensitivity to misalignment, as the distributed arrangement can accommodate slight tilts and angular errors without concentrating stress on a single contact zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rolling elements and their arrangement: using multiple radial bearings with appropriate rolling element dimensions and spacing, positioned at specific angular intervals. This parameter optimization balances contact area requirements with misalignment tolerance, achieving adequate load capacity while reducing sensitivity to tilting through the multi-point contact geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, more particularly an open-centred large rolling bearing, having two concentric bearing rings, which are supported against one another in the axial direction of the rolling bearing by means of at least two thrust bearings, which are arranged on opposite end faces of a bearing ring. In the radial direction, the bearing rings are supported against one another by at least three radial bearings, which are arranged on inner and outer circumferential sides of a bearing ring.