Protective Ring Axial Support and Locking for Journal Cross
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective rings for bearing bushings in journal cross assemblies face challenges in secure assembly and lubrication, with the sleeve segment often acting as an axial support, leading to potential damage during assembly and varnishing, and capillary forces causing the protective ring to become rigidly connected to the bearing bushing.
Innovation Solution
A protective ring design featuring distributedly arranged webs along the circumference for axial support during assembly, a thin sleeve segment, and protrusions that engage in an outer circumferential groove for secure locking, along with a concave recess to prevent capillary forces from forming during varnishing, ensuring non-rotational movement and effective lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sleeve segment acts as an axial support during assembly, then the protective ring can be assembled onto the bearing bushing, but the thin sleeve segment becomes vulnerable to damage and capillary forces cause rigid connection to the bearing bushing
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring is segmented into three functional parts: a thin sleeve segment for sealing, a seat segment for axial support, and distributed webs connecting them. This segmentation allows the thin sleeve segment to perform its sealing function without bearing axial loads, while the seat segment and webs provide structural support and prevent capillary connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial support function is extracted from the sleeve segment and transferred to the seat segment and distributed webs. This extraction allows the sleeve segment to remain thin and vulnerable-free, while the support function is performed by the more robust seat segment that is locked to the journal.
2Reliability
If protrusions engage in the outer circumferential groove for secure locking, then the protective ring is locked to the bearing bushing, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed webs serve multiple functions: they provide axial support during assembly, prevent capillary forces from causing rigid connection, and guide the protrusions into the outer circumferential groove for locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the protective ring, and the outer circumferential groove is pre-formed on the bearing bushing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick and easy engagement during assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional assembly steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the protective ring is rigidly connected to the bearing bushing during varnishing, then the assembly is stable, but the protective ring cannot perform its sealing and lubrication functions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring has different local properties: the seat segment provides rigid support and stability, while the thin sleeve segment maintains flexibility and mobility for sealing. The distributed webs provide localized support without making the entire protective ring rigid, allowing the sealing surface to remain compliant for effective lubrication.
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 ensures a secure and non-rotational assembly of the protective ring on the journal cross, allows for efficient lubrication by enabling grease to exit, and prevents the protective ring from becoming rigidly connected to the bearing bushing during varnishing, ensuring reliable operation and protection of the main seal.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one protrusion engages in an outer circumferential groove of the bearing bushing and is locked therein
Implementation Method 2
the webs serve as support. A secure axial support is necessary, as the seat segment has a central accommodation bore
Implementation Method 3
a concave recess to prevent capillary forces from forming during varnishing, ensuring non-rotational movement
Implementation Method 4
The main seal has sealing lips facing radially inwards and abuting a sealing face of a bearing journal
Implementation Method 5
The leg of the reinforcement, directed radially inwards, is rubberised and rests with the rubber lining fixedly on the journal of the journal cross
Data Source
AI summary
A protective ring for a sealing arrangement of a bearing bushing of a journal cross assembly. The protective ring has an annular sleeve segment, which is concentric to a longitudinal axis, an annular seat segment which extends radially inward at a rear axial end of the sleeve segment, and at least one protrusion, which protrudes radially inward at a front axial end region of the sleeve segment. The protective ring also has a plurality of webs, which are distributed over the circumference and which protrude axially from the seat segment and are arranged inside the sleeve segment.