Segmented Bearing Ring Assembly Without Protruding Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-diameter rolling bearings with split-rings require flanges for assembly, which increase the overall dimension and complicate re-assembly due to misalignment issues.

Innovation Solution

The use of fixing plates secured inside grooves on adjacent ring segments, along with alignment members and screws, allows for secure assembly without protrusion and facilitates precise re-alignment during re-assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If flanges are used to secure ring segments together, then the assembly is secured, but the overall dimension of the bearing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly securityVSAvoidoverall dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing plate is disposed inside grooves provided on the ring segments, nesting the fixing mechanism within the existing structure rather than adding external protruding elements. This allows the ring segments to be securely connected while maintaining the original outer dimensions of the bearing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing plate acts as an intermediary element that connects adjacent ring segments through the grooves. It provides a secure mechanical connection without requiring external flanges that would increase the bearing's overall dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If flanges are used to secure ring segments, then assembly is possible, but re-assembly is complicated due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidre-assembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment members extend through the fixing plate and protrude into recesses formed in the ring segments before the final tightening of fixing screws. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the ring segments are correctly positioned in the axial direction before being fully secured, preventing misalignment issues during re-assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment members provide visual and physical feedback during the assembly process, indicating when the ring segments are properly aligned. The recesses in the ring segments guide the alignment members, providing tactile feedback that confirms correct positioning before final tightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If fixing plates are used inside grooves, then the bearing dimension is reduced, but alignment precision during assembly must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing dimensionVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves are provided at specific locations on the ring segments with precise dimensions and orientations. These localized features ensure that the fixing plate can only be installed in the correct position, providing built-in alignment guidance that maintains manufacturing precision while keeping the bearing compact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11248649B2Bearing with at least one segmented ring and assembly plates

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

The bearing provides an outer ring and an inner ring capable of rotating concentrically relative to one another. At least one of the inner and outer rings are split into a plurality of successive circumferential ring segments. Each pair of adjacent successive ring segments of the split-ring is secured together with at least one fixing plate. The fixing plate is disposed inside a first groove disposed on one of the ring segments and a second groove 38 disposed on the other ring segment. The fixing plate is set back or flush with at least the surface of each of the ring segments from which the first or second groove is formed.