Retainer-Free Bearing Structure With Axial Flow Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling bearings with retainers limit the use of the gap between the inner and outer rings as a flow path for fluids or objects, making it difficult to utilize this space effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design that eliminates the need for a retainer by incorporating a receiving portion on either the inner or outer ring to accommodate rolling elements, allowing a wide axial gap for fluid or object flow, and a medical device that applies this design for cutting and discharging objects in biological lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer is used to hold rolling elements, then the rolling elements are properly positioned and supported, but the gap between inner ring and outer ring is reduced and cannot be used as a flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is completely removed from the bearing structure. Instead of using a separate retainer component to hold the rolling elements, the inner ring itself is designed with integrated receiving portions that directly accommodate the rolling elements, eliminating the need for a retainer and thereby maximizing the axial gap volume for fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the retainer is merged into the inner ring structure. The inner ring is designed with receiving portions that combine the structural support function with the rolling element accommodation function, eliminating the need for a separate retainer component
2Reliability
If a retainer is used to hold rolling elements, then the rolling elements are properly positioned, but the device complexity increases due to the additional component
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer component is extracted and removed from the bearing assembly. The inner ring is redesigned to directly hold the rolling elements through integrated receiving portions, reducing the total component count from multiple parts to just the inner ring, outer ring, and rolling elements
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the bearing geometry, and directly accommodates the rolling elements through its receiving portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate retainer component
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
Enables the secure use of the axial gap between the inner and outer rings as a flow path for fluids or objects, reducing the diameter of the medical device and allowing simultaneous circulation and discharge of cut materials.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling elements between an inner ring and an outer ring, in which a raceway surface on which the rolling elements roll is provided on the inner ring or the outer ring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a bearing and a medical device in which a gap is secured between an inner ring and an outer ring, and the gap can be used as a flow path for a fluid or an object. A bearing having a plurality of rolling elements between an inner ring and an outer ring is provided with a raceway surface on which the rolling elements roll on the outer ring and receiving portions for rotatably accommodating the rolling elements at a position of the inner ring facing the raceway surface.