Rotatable Joint Axially Offset Ball Bearings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable joints for suspension arms in control panels face issues with stable and efficient coupling, limited freedom of rotation, frequent maintenance due to axial and radial thrusts, bending stress, and susceptibility to dust and impurities, leading to premature wear and increased maintenance times.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable joint design featuring axially offset ball bearings with equal diameters and annular raceways that allow for simultaneous axial and radial support, reducing maintenance needs and preventing dust ingress, ensuring smooth and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ball bearings are used in rotatable joints, then the joint can rotate, but the bearings cannot simultaneously support axial and radial thrusts, causing quick deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into two distinct ball bearing assemblies positioned at different axial locations. The first ball bearing supports axial thrust while the second ball bearing supports radial thrust, dividing the load-bearing function into separate components that can be optimized for their specific directions of force.
2Ease of operation
If rotatable joints are designed with standard bearings, then they can provide rotation, but they require continuous maintenance to ensure proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housings are pre-equipped with sealed bearing assemblies that are factory-sealed and pre-lubricated. This preliminary sealing and lubrication action is performed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance interventions and ensuring smooth rotation throughout the service life of the joint.
3Ease of operation
If the joint structure is open to allow rotation, then rotation is possible, but dust and foreign impurities build up inside, preventing proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible sealing elements, specifically O-rings, are installed between the first and second ball bearings and between the bearings and the housing. These thin film seals create a barrier that prevents dust and foreign impurities from entering the bearing assemblies while allowing the joint to rotate freely, thus protecting the internal components without restricting motion.
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 joint provides stable, low-maintenance operation with reduced wear and increased durability, capable of handling axial and radial thrusts while preventing dust accumulation, ensuring continuous smooth rotation and reduced maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
first and second axially offset ball bearings with substantially equal diameters interposed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
ball bearings with a row of rollers or balls
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A rotatable joint (1) for use with a suspension arm (B) of a control panel (C) or a similar apparatus which comprises an outer cylindrical element (2) defining a first longitudinal axis (X), an inner cylindrical element (3) defining a second longitudinal axis (X') a second longitudinal axis (X'). These inner and outer cylindrical elements (3, 2) are adapted to be secured to a machine (M), a control panel (C) or a suspension arm (B) respectively, and are rotatably coupled to each other to rotate about a common longitudinal axis (R) with the interposition of at least one first (16) and one second (17) axially offset ball bearings having substantially equal diameters. The joint (1) comprises an annular end element (20) which is adapted to be coupled to the inner cylindrical element (3). The outer (2) and inner (3) cylindrical elements and the annular end element (20) have mutually facing surfaces, which are adapted to define first (21) and second (22) raceways, once they have been coupled together. The first (16) and second (17) ball bearings comprise respective ball rows (23) accommodated in the raceways (21, 22) to interact therewith in both radial and axial directions to limit the relative inclination of the first (X) and second (X') longitudinal axes.