Rotating Bearing Assembly with Integrated Sealing Function

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rotating bearing assemblies in internal combustion engines require additional sealing components, increasing assembly complexity and time, as they do not inherently provide a sealing function, leading to potential lubricant or oil leaks.

Innovation Solution

A rotating bearing assembly with a radial rolling bearing that integrates a sealing function by using a rolling bearing with an inner and outer ring, rolling elements, and a cage with a sealing means between the inner and outer rings, eliminating the need for additional sealing components and providing both rotational support and sealing of the shaft end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate sealing ring is added to the rotating bearing assembly, then the sealing function is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the rolling bearing by integrating sealing lips directly into the bearing structure. The sealing lips are positioned between the inner and outer rings of the bearing, allowing the bearing to simultaneously support rotation and seal the shaft end, eliminating the need for a separate sealing ring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling bearing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides rotational support through its standard bearing function and simultaneously provides sealing through the integrated sealing lips. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate sealing ring is added to the rotating bearing assembly, then the sealing function is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the rolling bearing by integrating sealing lips directly into the bearing structure. The sealing lips are positioned between the inner and outer rings of the bearing, allowing the bearing to simultaneously support rotation and seal the shaft end, eliminating the need for a separate sealing ring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional sealing components are added, then the sealing function is improved, but the assembly weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidassembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling bearing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides rotational support through its standard bearing function and simultaneously provides sealing through the integrated sealing lips. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated solution reduces assembly complexity and weight, eliminates the need for additional sealing components, and ensures effective sealing, allowing for a more compact design that can incorporate additional features, such as hybrid traction chains, while maintaining optimal lubrication of the rolling elements for extended service life.

Implementation Method 1

a radial rolling bearing (4) mounted on a shaft end (6) of the rotating shaft (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

sealing means (21) mounted between the inner ring (8) and the outer ring (12) on an axial side of rolling bearing (4) that is oriented towards the shaft end (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10738824B2Rotating bearing assembly, in particular for a camshaft

Publication Date: 2020.08.11 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rotating bearing assembly having a stationary housing, a rotating shaft, and a rolling bearing radially arranged between the stationary housing and a shaft end of the rotating shaft. The rolling bearing provides a seal that includes a stiffening insert and a sealing gasket disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring on an axial side of rolling bearing. The rolling bearing is open on the opposite axial direction to the shaft end. A cage includes an annular heel oriented towards the axial side of the shaft end, two circumferentially adjacent pockets being separated by a projected portion that axially extends from the heel towards the open axial side of rolling bearing.