Segmented Rolling Element Bearing Cage Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cage designs for rolling-element bearings, such as snap cages and two-part brass cages, face challenges in efficiently guiding rolling elements during installation, especially in large bearings, where misalignments can cause jamming or increased installation effort and cost.

Innovation Solution

A two-part cage segment design where the first and second segment parts are connected in an interference-fit, friction-fit, or materially-bonded manner, forming a cage pocket that encloses the rolling element, with attachment devices like threads, bores, or openings for secure connection, allowing for efficient installation and enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one-piece cage segments are used to enclose the entire circumference of rolling elements, then reliable guidance of rolling elements is achieved, but handling and installation become difficult with significant installation effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable guidance of rolling elementsVSAvoidhandling and installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is divided into multiple individual cage segments that can be installed separately and assembled within the bearing. Each segment is a manageable piece that can be easily handled and positioned, yet when combined they form a complete structure that encloses the rolling elements throughout the entire circumference, ensuring reliable guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If two-part brass cages are used to enclose the entire circumference of rolling elements, then secure guidance is achieved, but handling becomes more difficult due to size and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure guidance of rolling elementsVSAvoidweight of cage halves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is segmented into multiple lightweight sections that can be individually positioned and assembled. This segmentation reduces the weight and handling difficulty compared to solid two-part brass cages, while still achieving complete circumferential enclosure for secure guidance of rolling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses cost-effective cage segment designs that can be efficiently manufactured and installed, replacing expensive brass cages with more economical materials and designs that achieve the same functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If snap cages with laterally open pockets are used for efficient installation, then installation efficiency is improved, but rolling elements can jam or be ejected when large misalignments occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidguidance of rolling elements under misalignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cage is constructed from multiple segments that can be efficiently installed using snap-in methods, maintaining installation productivity. However, the segments are arranged to collectively form complete circumferential enclosure, ensuring that rolling elements remain securely guided even when large misalignments occur between inner and outer rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple individual cage segments are combined to form a complete encircling structure. Each segment can be installed efficiently with snap-in methods, but when assembled together they create a continuous enclosure that prevents jamming and ejection of rolling elements under misalignment conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9057405B2Method for installing a rolling-element bearing

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A cage segment for a rolling-element bearing has at least one pocket for a rolling element and is formed by a first segment part and a second segment part. The second segment part abuts the first segment part in an axial direction and is connected to the first segment part by an interference-fit or a friction-fit, or in a materially-bonded manner.