Segmented Bearing Cage Assembly for Large-Diameter Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional integral injection molding of large-diameter bearing cages results in dimensional accuracy issues, limited adaptability to different bearing diameters, difficult assembly, poor lubrication leading to pressure erosion and noise, and inadequate vibration and noise reduction.

Innovation Solution

The use of arc-shaped segments with a specific radian angle range to form a segmented bearing cage, allowing for flexible assembly and adaptation to different bearing diameters, while incorporating ellipsoidal pockets and lubrication structures for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If integral injection molding is used to manufacture large-diameter cages, then the cage structure is simple, but the manufacturing difficulty increases and dimensional accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage structureVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments that can be manufactured separately using injection molding and then assembled together. Each segment is smaller and easier to manufacture with high dimensional accuracy, while the complete cage achieves the required large diameter and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If integral injection molding is used for large-diameter cages, then the cage structure is simple, but the assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage structureVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is segmented into multiple manageable arc-shaped sections that can be assembled in a step-by-step manner. Each segment can be independently handled and positioned, making the overall assembly process much easier compared to handling a single large integral cage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arc-shaped segments are designed with flexible connection features that allow for dynamic adjustment during assembly. The segments can be temporarily positioned and adjusted before final fixation, enabling easier assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If integral injection molding is used, then the cage structure is simple, but the adaptability to different bearing diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage structureVSAvoidadaptability to different bearing diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows the cage to be adapted to different bearing diameters by adjusting the number of arc-shaped segments or modifying the arc angle of each segment. This provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple basic structure for each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arc-shaped segments are designed as universal components that can be used in different cage configurations. By varying the number of segments or their geometric parameters, the same basic segment design can accommodate multiple bearing diameters and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If traditional cage design is used, then the structure is simple, but the lubrication performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage structureVSAvoidlubrication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cage structure incorporates localized lubrication features such as lubricant channels and storage cavities at specific positions where lubrication is most needed. This provides improved lubrication performance in critical areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

5Device complexity

If traditional cage design is used, then the structure is simple, but the noise and vibration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage structureVSAvoidnoise and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cage incorporates localized vibration reduction features such as damping materials or structural modifications at specific high-stress positions. This reduces noise and vibration generation at critical locations while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12305706B2Arc-shaped segment for assembling a segmented cage, cage and bearing
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
  • US12305706B2 patent drawing
  • US12305706B2 patent drawing
  • US12305706B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An arc-shaped segment (1) for assembling a segmented bearing cage. An arc length L and a radian angle θ of the arc-shaped segment (1) satisfy the following relationship: 360L/πD−20°≤θ≤360L/πD+30° with D being a diameter of the segmented bearing cage. The arc length L refers to an arc length corresponding to the radian angle θ of the arc-shaped segment (1). A segmented bearing cage comprising a plurality of arc-shaped segments (1). A bearing comprising the segmented bearing cage. After being assembled in the bearing, a plurality of arc-shaped segments abut on or connect with each other, to form a complete cage.