Segmented Rolling Bearing Cage with Flexible Rope Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling bearings with segmented cages face challenges in handling, assembly, manufacturing costs, and flexibility, particularly requiring complete unit handling and high manufacturing costs due to lack of connection between cage segments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spacer element on the coupling element to limit relative mobility between the coupling and fastening elements, using a flexible coupling element like a rope, and selecting materials with thermal expansion coefficients similar to steel to ensure reliable guidance and assembly, allowing for separate installation of inner and outer rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cage segments are not connected to each other, then the bearing can be assembled with individual cage segments and low cage weight is achieved, but the bearing must be handled and transported as a complete unit, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple separate cage segments that can be assembled individually. Each cage segment can be manufactured and handled separately, then assembled into the complete bearing structure, providing flexibility in assembly while maintaining the ability to handle segments independently during manufacturing and initial assembly processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cage segments are connected via coupling elements, then the bearing can be disassembled into separate components, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple separate cage segments that can be assembled individually. Each cage segment can be manufactured and handled separately, then assembled into the complete bearing structure, providing flexibility in assembly while maintaining the ability to handle segments independently during manufacturing and initial assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements are introduced as intermediary components to connect the cage segments. These coupling elements serve as mediators that join the segments together, enabling the bearing to be disassembled into separate components while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, thus providing flexibility without permanently increasing the complexity of the cage segments themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible coupling element like a rope is used, then the bearing components can be connected temporarily, but the relative mobility between coupling element and fastening element needs to be limited
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling element in the form of a rope is used to connect the cage segments. The rope provides flexibility in connection, allowing the bearing components to be temporarily connected and easily assembled or disassembled. The flexible nature of the rope enables it to accommodate slight movements and misalignments during assembly while maintaining the connection between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements are introduced as intermediary components to connect the cage segments. These coupling elements serve as mediators that join the segments together, enabling the bearing to be disassembled into separate components while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, thus providing flexibility without permanently increasing the complexity of the cage segments themselves.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling bearing (1) having at least one inner ring (2) and at least one outer ring (3), a plurality of rolling bodies (4) being arranged between the bearing rings (2, 3), the rolling bodies (4) being held by a cage and the cage consisting of a plurality of cage segments (5). In order to create a flexible cage solution at low cost, according to the invention each cage segment (5) touches two rolling bodies (4) on at least two contact faces (6, 7, 8), which are adapted to the shape of the rolling body (4), without enclosing the rolling body (4) in a frame-like manner, wherein at least one fastening element (9, 10) is arranged on each cage segment (5) and wherein the cage segments (5) can be connected at least intermittently by means of a coupling element (11), to which end the coupling element (11) is brought into engagement with the fastening elements (9, 10).