Rolling Element Load Center Detection for Bearing Defect Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling element bearings lack an effective method to determine the center of loading, which is crucial for detecting defects and ensuring proper loading distribution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing a rolling element body with at least two load sensors positioned at different distances along the axis from a reference axial position. As the rolling element traverses a circular path, load measurements are taken, and the center of loading is calculated using a specific equation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple load sensors are positioned at different distances along the axis of the rolling element, then the measurement precision of the center of loading is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element is segmented by dividing its axial length into multiple measurement zones, each instrumented with a load sensor at a specific distance from a reference position. This segmentation allows the center of loading to be determined through comparative measurement of loads at different axial positions, resolving the contradiction by transforming a single complex measurement into multiple simpler localized measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point load measurement to a multi-dimensional measurement approach by positioning sensors at different axial distances along the rolling element. This adds the axial dimension to the measurement space, enabling calculation of the center of loading position through the spatial distribution of load measurements, thereby improving precision without excessive complexity.
2Loss of information
If strain gages are mounted on the inner race and/or outer race to detect loading, then the measurement capability is provided, but the ability to determine the center of loading on the rolling element is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element itself serves as an intermediary carrier for the load sensors, positioned between the inner and outer races. Instead of mounting sensors directly on the races, the sensors are mounted on the rolling element at specific axial distances, allowing direct measurement of the load distribution along the rolling element's length and enabling precise determination of the center of loading position.
3Reliability
If bearing defects such as insufficient concentricity or roundness are not detected, then the bearing continues to operate, but catastrophic failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the load distribution on the rolling element through multiple sensors and calculating the center of loading position. This feedback enables real-time detection of bearing defects such as concentricity or roundness issues, allowing corrective action before catastrophic failure occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and failure risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the center of loading of a rolling element includes providing a rolling element body and at least three load sensors. The sensors are each positioned within a bore of the rolling element body at a separate distance from a reference position. Load measurements are taken with each one of the sensors at various positions about the circumference of the bearing and the center of loading is calculated at each one of the positions to determine the variation in axial loading about the bearing circumference.