Rolling Element Speed Variation for Jostling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rolling apparatuses without supporting cages, jostling between rolling elements due to slight differences in orbital motion speed leads to increased frictional resistance, lubrication troubles, noise vibration, and reduced lifespan, as existing solutions either create non-load regions or increase distance between elements, which are not fully effective.
Innovation Solution
A rolling apparatus with a transfer path featuring transfer grooves and rolling elements of various shapes, where a contact-angle changing path with a greater contact angle than other portions allows two-point contact and varying friction forces, creating a non-load region by altering the orbital motion speed of rolling elements, thus preventing jostling and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rolling elements are placed close together to increase load-carrying capacity, then the load-carrying capacity is improved, but jostling occurs between adjacent rolling elements causing increased friction and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orbital motion speed parameter of rolling elements by introducing a contact-angle changing path. This parameter change creates distance between adjacent rolling elements, preventing jostling while maintaining high load-carrying capacity through close spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic variation in the orbital motion speed of rolling elements through the contact-angle changing path. This dynamic approach allows rolling elements to periodically increase speed and create spacing, preventing continuous contact and jostling in the load region
2Reliability
If supporting cages are added to maintain distance between rolling elements, then jostling is prevented, but device complexity and load-carrying capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the rolling elements self-regulating by using the contact-angle changing path to automatically create distance between them. The rolling elements themselves generate the spacing mechanism through their interaction with the varying contact angle, eliminating the need for external supporting cages
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the supporting cage component entirely by extracting its function into the transfer path design. The contact-angle changing path performs the spacing function that would otherwise require a separate supporting structure, simplifying the overall device
3Reliability
If supporting cages are added to maintain distance between rolling elements, then jostling is prevented, but load-carrying capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements use the contact-angle changing path to self-generate spacing, allowing them to be placed closer together than would be possible with supporting cages. This self-service mechanism prevents jostling while maximizing the number of rolling elements that can fit in the load region
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic speed variation through the contact-angle changing path creates temporary spacing that allows higher density packing of rolling elements. This dynamic spacing mechanism enables more rolling elements to be accommodated compared to static supporting cages, increasing load-carrying capacity
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
This solution effectively suppresses frictional resistance, lubrication troubles, and noise vibration by maintaining a predetermined distance between rolling elements, eliminating the need for supporting cages and enhancing load-carrying capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the rolling elements have any one of a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape having opposite corners three-dimensionally curved, a conical shape, a barrel shape and a complex curved shape thereof; said transfer path has a region that allows the rolling elements to contact only one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path, or a region that has a friction force acting between one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path and the rolling elements being greater than the friction force acting between another one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path and the rolling elements
Data Source
AI summary
In order to omit jostling caused between the adjacent rolling elements, a clearance is formed therebetween in a load region. A transfer path has a region that allows the rolling elements to contact only one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path, or a region that has a friction force acting between one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path and the rolling elements being greater than the friction force acting between another one of the transfer grooves of the transfer path and the rolling elements. The one of the transfer grooves in the region has a cross sectional shape taken in a direction perpendicular to the direction, in which the rolling elements are transferred, which cross sectional shape allowing two point contact with the rolling elements; and the rolling apparatus further has a contact-angle changing path that has a contact angle with the rolling elements that is greater than the contact angle of the other portion of the transfer path. Thus, the orbital motion speed of the rolling elements is changed.