Optical Fiber Bearing Groove Layout for Combined Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for condition monitoring of rolling bearings using optical fibers face challenges in mounting and sensing combined axial and radial loads without fiber damage, particularly in variable orientations and during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design featuring a single optical sensing fiber with a specially shaped groove on the outer ring, allowing the fiber to exit in both axial directions without bending below a minimum radius, and an additional routing groove for secure fiber routing, preventing damage during transportation and enabling accurate load sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are used to measure combined axial and radial bearing loads, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and mounting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single optical fiber by strategically positioning Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) at different locations and orientations within the bearing. This single fiber measures both axial and radial loads simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate fibers and their associated routing complexity while maintaining full measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber serves multiple sensing functions by incorporating FBGs that respond to different stress components. The fiber simultaneously monitors axial loads, radial loads, and combined loading conditions through carefully positioned sensing elements, making it a universal sensing solution for complex bearing load analysis.
2Ease of operation
If optical fiber exits through bearing side faces, then mounting is simplified, but fiber damage risk increases during transport and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the fiber exit location from the lateral side faces of the bearing to the axial end faces. This dimensional change in routing path allows the fiber to exit through more robust and protected areas, reducing exposure to mechanical damage during handling and transport while maintaining mounting simplicity through the axial routing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure incorporates protective features and routing paths that cushion and protect the optical fiber before it exits the bearing. The fiber is guided through protected channels and positioned to avoid sharp edges and stress concentration points, preventing damage before it can occur during transport and assembly operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bearing orientation is made variable for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but fiber routing becomes more complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing design incorporates a universal fiber routing system with axial exit capability that works effectively in all bearing orientations. The routing structure is designed to maintain proper fiber positioning and protection regardless of how the bearing is mounted or oriented in the application, providing adaptability without increasing routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber routing system is segmented into distinct functional zones within the bearing structure, with dedicated pathways that maintain proper fiber orientation and protection. This segmentation allows the same routing design to accommodate various bearing orientations by maintaining local fiber protection and positioning in each segment, regardless of the overall bearing installation angle.
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 design allows for accurate measurement of combined axial and radial loads, protects the optical fiber from damage, and facilitates easy mounting and orientation of multiple bearings, enhancing the reliability and safety of load monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber comprises a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings, called FBG, for sensing locations evenly spread around the circumference of the first ring of the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing providing a first ring, a second ring and at least one row of rolling elements radially located between raceways disposed on the first and second ring, a single optical sensing fiber mounted in a groove provided on a surface of the first ring radially opposite to the raceway of the first ring, the fiber having at least a sensing part. The groove including a first branch extending from a first frontal surface of the first ring and being at least partially incurved along at least one radius of curvature to extend towards a circumferential groove parallel to the first frontal surface; a second branch extending from a second frontal radial surface of the first ring, axially opposite to the first frontal surface, connected to the first branch, the second branch being at least partially incurved along at least one radius of curvature.