Polymer Joining Ring Geometry for Bearing Inner Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining elements for bearing assemblies, such as metallic retainers, face manufacturing complexity and cost issues, and lack flexibility in attachment to inner rings, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A polymer joining ring with a W or E shaped geometry, featuring radially extending flanges and a semi-circular protrusion, is used to securely connect inner rings to the bearing assembly, facilitating ease of assembly and accurate positioning through injection molding, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic retainers are used for joining inner rings, then strength and rigidity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metallic retainers with a polymer joining ring that is cost-effective and easier to manufacture. The polymer material allows for simplified production processes while maintaining adequate joining functionality for the bearing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing approach. The polymer joining ring can be produced through molding processes, eliminating complex machining operations required for metallic retainers, thus reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If metallic retainers are used for joining inner rings, then joining strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a polymer joining ring as a cost-effective alternative to expensive metallic retainers. The polymer material is inherently cheaper, and the molding manufacturing process further reduces production costs compared to metal machining and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing from metallic to polymer material fundamentally reduces manufacturing cost. The polymer can be molded into the final shape in a single operation, eliminating multiple machining steps, material waste, and associated labor costs required for metallic retainer production.
3Device complexity
If conventional joining elements are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but attachment flexibility to inner rings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a polymer joining ring that inherently provides flexibility in attachment. The polymer material can deform elastically to accommodate variations in inner ring positioning and geometry, enabling flexible attachment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing to polymer material provides inherent flexibility and adaptability. The material's elastic properties allow the joining ring to conform to slight variations in inner ring dimensions and positioning, achieving adaptable attachment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a polymer joining ring for a bearing assembly and is configured to retain a first inner ring and a second inner ring together to the bearing assembly. The polymer joining ring includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface includes a W or E shaped geometry throughout and includes a pair of flanges extending radially outwards at corners from outer surface, and a semi-circular protrusion extending at middle of the polymer joining ring. The pair of flanges are placed in tapered narrow grooves of the first inner ring and the second inner ring, and the semi-circular protrusion is placed in a triangular shape space produced between the first inner ring and the second inner ring can be tightly connected to each other. The joining ring is made of a polymer material that facilitates ease in assembling and accurate positioning of the inner rings.