Preloaded Pivot Linkage Bearings for High-Voltage Transient Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting rolling bearings from high voltage transients, such as those caused by lightning strikes, require additional parts like conductive brushes, which increase bulk, integration cost, and generate wear-related maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A pivot linkage device with preloaded bearings that create a direct electrical path between inner and outer races and rolling elements by applying sufficient load, eliminating the need for additional parts and maintaining operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive brushes are used to protect bearings from high voltage transients, then protection against lightning strikes is improved, but device complexity and integration cost increase due to additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protection function with the existing bearing structure by integrating conductive elements directly into the bearing components (inner race, outer race, or rolling elements). This merging eliminates the need for separate conductive brushes while maintaining the lightning protection function, thereby reducing device complexity and integration cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing components are designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical support and electrical conduction. By making the bearing races or rolling elements conductive, the same component simultaneously provides structural support and lightning protection, eliminating the need for dedicated protective parts like conductive brushes.
2Reliability
If conductive brushes are used to protect bearings from high voltage transients, then protection against lightning strikes is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to brush wear and dust generation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing components themselves provide the protection function without requiring separate maintenanceable parts. The conductive races or rolling elements are integral to the bearing structure and do not wear down like external brushes, eliminating the need for periodic replacement or maintenance of protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using wear-prone conductive brushes that need periodic replacement, the patent employs durable bearing components that are designed to last the entire service life of the bearing. These integral conductive elements do not generate dust or require maintenance, significantly reducing long-term operational costs.
3Reliability
If additional parts are added to bearings for lightning protection, then protection against high voltage transients is improved, but bulk and integration cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is merged into the existing bearing geometry. Conductive races, outer rings, or rolling elements are used as the sole means of protection, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming components like conductive brushes or protective shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing components serve dual purposes: mechanical function and electrical conduction. The inner race, outer race, or rolling elements simultaneously provide structural support and lightning protection, eliminating the need for dedicated protective parts that would increase bearing volume.
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 solution effectively conducts high voltage transients without additional parts, reducing wear and maintenance costs, while maintaining mechanical operation and preventing damage to the bearings.
Implementation Method 1
the loading means being formed by a compression spring whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end rests upon the inner diameter of at least one of the outer races
Implementation Method 2
create a direct electrical path between inner and outer races and rolling elements by applying sufficient load
Data Source
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AI summary
The current invention relates to a pivot linkage device (20) comprising at least one rolling bearing (21) comprising at least one inner cage (213), one outer cage (211) and a plurality of rolling elements denoted as the bearing components, the device (20) further comprising means for protection against high voltage transients, characterized in that said protection means are exclusively formed by said bearing components, said bearing components being loaded by loading means arranged in such a manner that a direct electrical connection exists between these components. The current invention also relates to a method for protecting a bearing against high voltage transients by applying a preloading to the bearing's components.