Roller Bearing Force Measurement With a Removable Sensor Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller bearing units lack efficient and cost-effective measurement solutions for forces transmitted, requiring complex and costly calibration processes, and often necessitate replacement of measurement units with the bearing, leading to high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructively removable measuring unit with an annular metal support element and plastic-filled groove, allowing for separate calibration and replacement independence, featuring evenly distributed strain gauge sensors for precise force measurement across multiple circumferential areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measuring unit is integrated into the bearing assembly, then force measurement is enabled, but calibration becomes complex and costly requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit is segmented from the bearing assembly into an independent component that can be calibrated separately using simple weighing equipment rather than complex specialized calibration equipment. The measuring unit includes a support element with strain gauges that can be calibrated independently by applying known weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be calibrated using inexpensive weighing equipment. If damaged or contaminated, the entire measuring unit can be replaced without replacing the bearing, reducing operational costs.
2Measurement precision
If the measuring unit is integrated into the bearing assembly, then force measurement is enabled, but replacement of the bearing requires replacement of the measuring unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent components: the bearing assembly and the measuring unit. The measuring unit is positioned between the outer ring of the bearing and the support structure, allowing it to be replaced independently when damaged or contaminated, without replacing the entire bearing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring unit is designed as a separate replaceable component. When the measuring unit becomes damaged or contaminated, it can be discarded and replaced without affecting the bearing, which can be recovered and reused, reducing operational costs.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are arranged in a groove of the support element, then force measurement is enabled, but the structure becomes difficult to disassemble for calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit is segmented as a separate assembly that can be disassembled for calibration. The support element with the groove and strain gauges is part of this separable measuring unit, allowing it to be removed from the bearing assembly and calibrated independently using simple weighing equipment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the measuring unit uses a ring-shaped metal support element with plastic filler, then structural stability is improved, but the measuring unit cannot be disassembled without destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit is segmented as a complete assembly including the metal support element, plastic filler, and strain gauges. This entire assembly can be removed from the bearing as a unit for calibration without requiring disassembly of the bonded components themselves, maintaining structural stability while enabling calibration.
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 high-efficiency, cost-effective long-term operation by allowing separate calibration and replacement of the measuring unit, providing precise force measurement and preventing bearing damage through real-time monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauge sensors for precise force measurement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The roller bearing unit has a bearing (10), which is provided to bear a roller (12) at an end (14) of the roller, where a carrier unit (16) receives a large portion of the gravitational force of the bearing in an operating condition and forwards to the ground. A measuring unit (18) is provided to measure a force carried on it, and is removed from the carrier unit and the bearing in a distortion-free manner. The bearing and the measuring unit are arranged in such a way that the forces acting on the bearing in an axial direction of the bearing are partially transferred to the measuring unit.