Sealed Bearing Unit for Misalignment and Seal Wear in Farm Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machine bearing units, particularly those using ball bearings, face limitations in load capacity, dynamic compensation, corrosion, and sealing effectiveness, leading to potential overload and seal failure when used for pivoting shafts like packer rollers.
Innovation Solution
A rolling bearing unit with an inner and outer ring, featuring rotating rolling elements and sealing elements that axially seal on both sides, allowing for dynamic alignment and secure sealing, even when the inner ring tilts, using a convex or concave design to maintain contact and prevent wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ball bearings are used to support the packer shaft, then the bearing unit is simple and cost-effective, but the load capacity is very low and cannot handle high loads when the seed drill tank is full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the type of rolling elements from balls to spherical rollers, fundamentally altering the bearing parameters to achieve both high load capacity and self-aligning capability. This parameter change allows the bearing to handle radial and axial loads while automatically compensating for misalignment, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spherical rollers with curved surfaces that enable self-alignment within the bearing unit. The spherical geometry allows the rollers to automatically orient themselves according to the load direction, providing dynamic compensation for misalignment while maintaining high load capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and mechanical strength.
2Device complexity
If standard ball bearings are used, then the bearing unit structure is simple, but dynamic compensation for misalignment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical shape of the rollers enables them to automatically adjust their orientation in response to misalignment, providing dynamic compensation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This geometric solution maintains structural simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable, with spherical rollers that can reorient themselves in real-time according to load conditions and misalignment angles. This dynamic capability allows the bearing to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Volume of moving object
If ball bearings are used, then the bearing unit is compact, but corrosion occurs quickly leading to seizing and uneven loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining stainless steel rolling elements with sealed bearing structures. This material selection and combination provides both compact dimensions and enhanced corrosion resistance, preventing seizing and ensuring reliable operation in agricultural environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the basic bearing structure by incorporating dedicated sealing elements that prevent corrosive contaminants from entering the bearing interior. This separation of functions maintains compactness while significantly improving corrosion resistance and reliability.
4Reliability
If seals are added to ball bearings, then corrosion protection is improved, but the seals fail quickly due to the pumping effect from inner ring movement
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical rollers move in a manner that reduces the pumping effect compared to ball bearings, and the sealing elements are specifically designed to accommodate this motion. The curved surfaces of the rollers work in conjunction with the seal geometry to minimize fluid pumping while maintaining effective sealing, thereby extending seal service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specially designed sealing elements that act as intermediaries between the moving spherical rollers and the stationary bearing housing. These sealing elements are configured to accommodate the specific motion patterns of spherical rollers, reducing wear and extending service life while maintaining reliable corrosion protection.
5Strength
If spherical roller bearings with seals and housing are used, then load capacity and sealing are improved, but the device becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function directly into the bearing unit structure, with sealing elements integrated at the axial ends of the bearing. This integration eliminates the need for separate external sealing components and housing structures, reducing overall size and complexity while maintaining improved load capacity and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical roller bearing unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting radial and axial loads, providing self-alignment through spherical rollers, and preventing corrosion through integrated sealing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity and size while achieving high load capacity and reliable sealing.
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 solution provides a high-load-capacity, space-efficient, and cost-effective bearing unit that maintains a secure seal and compensates for dynamic misalignment, reducing wear and the risk of overload, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of agricultural machinery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one series of rotating rolling elements, which are arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring in a rolling and/or rotating manner and thus support the two rings
Implementation Method 2
at least two sealing elements which axially seal the rolling and/or roller elements arranged in at least two rows or in one row on both sides
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sealed rolling bearing unit (30) for supporting, in particular, rotating agricultural implements (14) or the like is disclosed. The rolling bearing unit (30) comprises an inner ring (32) and an outer ring (34) arranged coaxially thereto, as well as rolling and/or roller elements (36) arranged in at least one row, which are arranged to roll and/or rotate between the inner ring (32) and the outer ring (34). Furthermore, at least two sealing elements (38, 38') are provided, which axially seal the rolling and/or roller elements (36) arranged in at least one row on both sides.It is provided that at least one of the at least two sealing elements (38, 38') is in surface contact with the outer surface (46) of the inner ring (32) and/or rests on the outer surface (46) of the inner ring (32), so that a sealing surface is formed, wherein the outer surface (46) is at least partially convex to a central axis (M) of the rolling bearing unit (30) in the area of the sealing surface.