Roller Bearing Segmented Cage Radial Web Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller bearing designs with segmented cages are limited in the number of rolling elements they can accommodate due to the thickness of connecting webs, which affects stability and carrying capacity, especially in large bearings.
Innovation Solution
The design features cage segments with two axially spaced side plates connected by webs, where one web is below the pitch circle and the other above, arranged diametrically, allowing for increased space and stability by positioning webs one above the other in the radial direction, enabling more rolling elements to be placed between bearing rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting webs between cage segments are made thicker to ensure stability, then the cage stability is improved, but the number of rolling elements that can be accommodated decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane web configuration to a multi-level radial arrangement where webs are positioned at different radial heights (above and below the pitch circle). This dimensional change in the radial direction allows webs to be stacked vertically rather than occupying circumferential space, thereby increasing the number of rolling elements that can be accommodated while maintaining cage stability through the multi-level web structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is divided into multiple cage segments, each with its own receiving pockets for rolling elements. This segmentation allows the cage to be constructed with thinner individual webs between segments, as each segment independently supports the rolling elements within its pockets, thereby increasing the overall number of rolling elements that can be accommodated while maintaining local stability.
2Quantity of substance
If the cage segments are arranged to accommodate more rolling elements, then the carrying capacity increases, but the stability of rolling element guidance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning webs at different radial heights (above and below the pitch circle) rather than in a single plane, the patent creates a multi-level support structure. This dimensional arrangement allows rolling elements to be guided by webs positioned optimally in the radial direction, maintaining guidance stability while accommodating more rolling elements through the increased circumferential space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different web positions (radially above and below the pitch circle) to different locations in the cage structure. This local differentiation allows each web to be optimally positioned for its specific function of guiding rolling elements in its local region, thereby maintaining overall guidance stability across the entire cage while accommodating a higher number of rolling elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Rolling bearings (1) with at least one inner ring (2) and at least one outer ring (3) and at least one row of rolling elements (4) arranged between the bearing rings (2, 3) and with their axes (M) on a pitch circle (5), wherein the rolling elements (4) are held by a cage (6) consisting of a number of cage segments (6', 6", 6"'), each cage segment (6', 6", 6"') having at least one receiving pocket (7) for a rolling element (4).In order to create a stable cage and at the same time place as many rolling elements as possible between the bearing rings, the invention provides that each cage segment (6', 6', 6") comprises two axially (a) spaced-apart side plates (8, 9) between which at least two webs (10, 11) extend in the axial direction (a) and are connected to the side plates (8, 9), wherein a first web (10) is arranged below the pitch circle (5) and offset in the circumferential direction (U) to a radial beam (12) passing through the axis (M) of the rolling element (4), and wherein a second web (11) is arranged above the pitch circle (5) such that it is arranged diametrically to the first web (10) with respect to the axis (M) of the rolling element (4).