Segmented C-Shaped Bearing for Easy Shaft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearings face a challenge in balancing ease of assembly with sufficient shaft-holding force, as increasing the shaft-holding force often complicates assembly, and vice versa, particularly in downsized apparatuses like image forming devices where long rollers require robust support without excessive size or complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design featuring a C-like first and second bearing portion with a gap along the rotational axis, allowing the shaft to be inserted and rotated into place for secure nipping from both sides, while an engagement portion attaches the bearing to a mount member, facilitating easy assembly and strong support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bearing structure is designed to provide strong shaft-holding force, then the shaft-holding force is improved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion that can be assembled separately onto the shaft. Each portion independently holds the shaft, and together they provide strong shaft-holding force while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
Each bearing portion is designed with specific local features: the first bearing portion has a first engagement portion for securing to the shaft, and the second bearing portion has a second engagement portion. These localized engagement features provide strong holding force at critical points without requiring complex overall structure
2Strength
If the bearing size is increased to strengthen shaft-holding force, then the shaft-holding force is improved, but the apparatus size increases contrary to downsizing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into two portions that can be overlapped or positioned closely on the shaft. This segmentation allows the bearing to provide strong holding force through distributed contact points without requiring a single large bearing structure, thus maintaining compact overall size
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second bearing portions are designed to be assembled in sequence onto the shaft, with the second bearing portion fitting over or adjacent to the first. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space along the shaft axis, providing strong holding force within a compact radial and axial envelope
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing includes a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and a connection portion. The first bearing portion assumes a generally C-like shape and opens in a first direction perpendicular to the rotational center axis. The second bearing portion assumes a generally C-like shape and opens in a second direction opposite the first direction. A gap is formed between the first and second bearing portions along the rotational center axis. The connection portion connects the first and second bearing portions at a position opposite the gap with respect to the rotational center axis.