Roller Boot Bearing Assembly With Thrust Washer Axial Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of roller boot bearing components is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to their complexity, and there is a need to reduce the number of parts while ensuring adequate axial support to minimize abrasion, wear, and damage.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, rolling elements, a cage, and a thrust washer with a sheet metal body and low-friction coating, which is attached to the inner ring via an interference fit, providing improved axial support and adaptability to different shaft sizes through an inner sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional seal assemblies and bearing components are used in roller boot arrangements, then the bearing components are retained within the assembly, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal assembly and bearing assembly into a single integrated unit. The seal lip is positioned to contact the outer ring while the bearing components (inner ring, rolling elements, cage) are retained within the same assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing the number of discrete parts that must be handled during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the seal assembly provides sealing action while the bearing assembly provides rotational support, and both are retained within a unified structure that simplifies installation and reduces assembly steps. This multi-functional design addresses both sealing and bearing requirements in a single component package.
2Reliability
If traditional bearing assemblies are used without additional axial support, then the structure remains simpler, but abrasion, wear, and damage to bearing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a thrust washer positioned between the cage and the outer ring flange to provide preemptive axial support. This thrust washer prevents excessive axial loads from reaching the rolling elements and cage, cushioning them against wear and damage before such wear can occur during operation. The thrust washer acts as a protective element that anticipates and mitigates potential wear issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing assembly is designed for specific shaft sizes, then the design is more specialized, but adaptability to different shaft sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner sleeve as an intermediary component between the shaft and the bearing assembly. This inner sleeve acts as an adapter that can be configured for different shaft sizes, allowing the same bearing assembly design to accommodate various shaft diameters. The inner sleeve mediates between the fixed bearing assembly and the variable shaft sizes, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized bearing designs.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces wear, and enhances axial support, making the bearing assembly more durable and versatile for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The thrust washer can be comprised of a body and a coating. The body can be formed from sheet metal and the coating can be formed from a low friction material.
Implementation Method 2
The thrust washer can be attached to the inner ring via an interference fit. The thrust washer can include a first mating feature, and the radial flange of the inner ring can include a second mating feature. The first mating feature and the second mating feature can be configured to prevent relative movement between the thrust washer and the inner ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing assembly is disclosed herein that is configured for use in a rubber boot arrangement. The bearing assembly includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a plurality of rolling elements supported between the outer ring and the inner ring, and a cage configured to retain the plurality of rolling elements. A thrust washer is provided that is configured to prevent wear, abrasion, or other damage to the bearing components. The thrust washer can be configured to be directly attached to any of the bearing components, such as the inner ring or the inner sleeve.