Segmented Outer Ring Bearing Torque Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing assemblies experience undesirable torque changes when the outer ring is press fit into the housing, leading to decreased functionality, especially when the torque exceeds a predetermined range, affecting the bearing's performance even without external loads.
Innovation Solution
A segmented outer ring assembly comprising an outer sleeve with a female threaded area and an inner sleeve with a male threaded area, where the inner sleeve is removably disposed within the outer sleeve's interior area, maintaining a predetermined torque range through selective engagement of the fastener mechanisms, and featuring locking mechanisms to prevent rotation and axial movement, thereby stabilizing the torque during and after press fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer ring is press fit into the bore of the housing, then the bearing is securely fixed in the housing, but the torque on the bearing changes undesirably and exceeds the predetermined range
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is divided into two separate sleeves: an outer sleeve that is press fit into the housing bore, and an inner sleeve that receives the bearing. This segmentation allows the press fit operation to be isolated to the outer sleeve, preventing torque changes from being transmitted to the bearing, while still achieving secure fixation of the entire assembly in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the housing bore and the inner sleeve/bearing assembly. It absorbs the press fit forces and isolates them from the bearing, thereby protecting the bearing from unwanted torque changes while maintaining the structural connection to the housing.
2Strength
If the outer ring is press fit into the housing bore, then the bearing is securely fixed, but the bearing experiences radially inward distortion that affects performance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outer ring into an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the press fit operation is confined to the outer sleeve only. The inner sleeve and bearing remain isolated from the radial compression forces, preventing any radially inward distortion that would compromise bearing performance or geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve serves as a protective intermediary that shields the inner sleeve and bearing from the damaging effects of the press fit process. It absorbs all radial compression forces, maintaining the geometric integrity and shape stability of the bearing components.
3Reliability
If a segmented outer ring with fastener mechanisms is used, then torque stability is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is segmented into two sleeves connected by fastener mechanisms (threaded areas). While this increases structural complexity compared to a solid outer ring, it enables torque stability by isolating the bearing from press fit forces. The segmentation is minimal and functional, adding only the necessary elements to achieve the desired torque characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener mechanisms allow for adjustable connection between the outer and inner sleeves, enabling control over the torque characteristics. By modifying the fastening parameters (thread engagement, fastener tightness), the torque can be maintained within a predetermined range, achieving reliability through parameter optimization rather than complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An outer ring (12) for a bearing includes an outer sleeve (18) that defines a first exterior surface (22) and a first interior area (24). The first interior area is defined by a first inner surface (26). The first inner surface has a first fastener mechanism (28) formed therein. The outer ring includes an inner sleeve (20) that defines a second exterior surface (30) and a second interior area (32). The second interior area is defined by a second inner surface (34). The second exterior surface has a second fastener mechanism (36) formed therein. The inner sleeve (20) is removably disposed in the first interior area (24) by selective engagement of the first fastener mechanism (28) with the second fastener mechanism (36). The outer sleeve (18) surrounds the inner sleeve (20) and extends axially from a first end (20A) to a second end (20B) thereof. The inner sleeve (20) extends from the first end (18A) to the second end (18B) of the outer sleeve (18).