Semi-Spherical Roller Gear Bearing Assembly Under Heavy Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller gear and bearing assemblies experience rapid wear and deformation under significant loads, leading to non-smooth and discontinuous power output due to the inability of roller gears to transfer power effectively while minimizing friction.
Innovation Solution
A roller gear and bearing assembly design featuring semi-spherical engagement members offset on two distinct surfaces, with corresponding semi-spherical receiver elements, allowing for smooth and continuous power output even under bearing load by using pre-loaded roller gears and multi-part inner races to distribute load evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If roller gears are used to transfer power, then power transmission capability is improved, but wear and deformation occur rapidly under significant loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs semi-spherical engagement members instead of traditional cylindrical roller gear elements. The semi-spherical geometry allows for point contact engagement with corresponding semi-spherical receiver elements, distributing loads more effectively across the contact surfaces. This curved geometry reduces stress concentration and minimizes wear and deformation under significant bearing loads while maintaining effective power transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If roller bearings are designed to minimize friction under load, then smooth rolling operation is improved, but power transfer capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric engagement system where semi-spherical engagement members on roller gears engage with corresponding semi-spherical receiver elements on the race. This asymmetric point-contact geometry enables the bearing to function dually as both a bearing and a gear assembly. The offset positioning of engagement members on two distinct surfaces allows simultaneous achievement of smooth rolling operation with minimal friction and effective power transfer capability.
3Force
If significant bearing load is imposed on roller gear assembly, then load bearing capacity is improved, but power output becomes non-smooth and discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-spherical engagement members and receiver elements create point contact engagement that maintains smooth and continuous operation under significant bearing loads. The curved geometry allows for gradual engagement and disengagement, preventing the irregularity and discontinuity in power output that occurs with traditional roller gear assemblies under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset semi-spherical engagement members are pre-positioned on two distinct surfaces to ensure proper engagement alignment before load application. This preliminary positioning ensures that when bearing loads are applied, the engagement members are already optimally aligned to maintain smooth and continuous power output without irregularities.
Data Source
AI summary
A roller gear and bearing assembly having roller gear bearings with semi-spherical engagement members is disclosed. Semi-spherical engagement members are offset on two distinct surfaces on roller gears, with corresponding semi-spherical receiver elements on the race of the roller gear and bearing assembly. An optional improvement to the roller gear and bearing assembly is configuring the roller gears and assembling the roller gear assembly such that the roller gear and bearing assembly will be under a pre-load and the roller gears will not lose contact with the races. A second optional improvement to the roller gear and bearing assembly uses replaceable semi-spherical engagement members are replaceable spherical rollers which fit into semi-spherical receiver elements on the roller gears.