Rolling Bearing Micro-Geometry for Low Friction Under Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing technologies face challenges in simultaneously reducing friction and maintaining load carrying capacity, as these two performance metrics are often mutually exclusive.

Innovation Solution

The application of optimized micro-geometries to the contact surfaces between the inner ring raceway, outer ring raceway, and rolling elements, including logarithmic and pumped profiles, along with reduced roughness, to enhance efficiency without compromising load capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If friction-reducing features are applied to bearing surfaces, then friction is reduced, but load carrying capacity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefrictionVSAvoidload carrying capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different micro-geometric profiles to different zones of the bearing contact surfaces. The inner raceway has a first micro-geometric profile, the outer raceway has a second micro-geometric profile, and the rolling elements have a third micro-geometric profile. These localized variations in surface geometry reduce friction in specific contact zones while preserving load carrying capacity through the overall bearing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the micro-geometric parameters of the contact surfaces by applying specific profile shapes (logarithmic, pumped, or combined profiles) with controlled amplitudes and wavelengths. These parameter changes optimize the contact mechanics to reduce friction coefficients while maintaining sufficient contact pressure distribution for load carrying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If micro-geometric profiles are applied to contact surfaces, then efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing efficiencyVSAvoidsurface geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific micro-geometric profiles with mathematical descriptions (logarithmic profiles, pumped profiles with specified amplitude and wavelength ranges). These parameterized profiles can be manufactured using modern surface treatment techniques such as roller burning, superfinishing, or honing, which can imprint these patterns during standard manufacturing processes without requiring complex additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved micro-geometric profiles (logarithmic and pumped profiles) on the contact surfaces. These curved patterns conform to the natural contact mechanics of rolling elements and raceways, allowing the profiles to be generated through controlled deformation processes during manufacturing rather than requiring complex precision machining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250020169A1High-performance rolling bearing having conical, cylindrical or spherical rollers

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 FERSA BEARINGS

AI summary

A rolling bearing has an inner rolling track of an inner ring having a profile selected between a logarithmic profile and a mixed logarithmic profile, a sliding track between the inner ring and the head of the rolling elements having a straight or slightly bulged geometry, a rolling track of the rolling element having a standard bulged profile or a mixed logarithmic profile, an outer rolling track of the outer ring having a special bulged profile and a cage between the inner and outer rings. The contacts are optimized and the friction is reduced on these contact surfaces of the rolling tracks with the rolling elements.