Segmental Bearing Cage with Embossed Contact Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling bearing cages face challenges in achieving sufficient strength while minimizing material thickness and space requirements, which affects the number of rolling elements that can be accommodated and the risk of contact elements deflecting under load.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of continuously connected inner contact elements on the side surfaces of the cage segment, which are embossed and offset to enhance rigidity and strength, allowing for a smaller material thickness and increased capacity for rolling elements, along with optional outer contact elements as recesses to reduce surface pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the material thickness of the cage segment is increased to ensure sufficient strength, then the strength is improved, but the space required for the cage segment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of cage segmentVSAvoidspace required for cage segment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cage segment is divided into functional zones: side surfaces with contact elements for strength, and circumferential regions with reduced thickness for space efficiency. The contact elements are localized protrusions rather than uniform thickness increase, allowing strength enhancement only where needed for rolling element contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cage segment employs non-uniform thickness distribution: thicker side surfaces with contact elements where strength is required for rolling element support, and thinner circumferential regions where space minimization is prioritized. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If free-cut contact elements are used, then manufacturing is easier, but the contact elements may deflect under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing of contact elementsVSAvoiddeflection resistance of contact elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements are merged with the side surfaces through continuous material connection rather than being separate free-cut components. This integration provides structural support from the side surface material, preventing deflection under load while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact elements utilize the side surface material as a flexible support structure that connects continuously to the main cage body. This continuous material connection acts like a flexible shell that can deform slightly but returns to shape, preventing permanent deflection while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4464907A1Cage segment for a segmental cage

Publication Date: 2024.11.20 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

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AI summary

A cage segment for a segment cage (1), in particular for large rolling bearings, is disclosed, wherein the cage segment (1) forms a pocket (8) suitable for receiving at least one rolling element, wherein the cage segment (1) has at least one inner contact element (14) on at least one side surface (18) opposite a running surface of the at least one rolling element (34-1), which projects into the pocket (8) of the cage segment (1) and is designed to contact the at least one rolling element (34-1), wherein the at least one inner contact element (14) is continuously connected to the side surface (18).