Segmented Bearing Support for Axial Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing arrangements face challenges in cost-effective production, complex assembly, and limited ability to transmit high forces in both axial directions due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for deep-drawing processes and heat treatment.

Innovation Solution

A bearing support designed in two parts with a recess extending over 180° of the circumference, permanently connected by welding or soldering, allowing for a stable and simple assembly process that enables high force transmission in both axial directions without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bearing carrier is designed as a deep-drawn component with cup-shaped depressions, then the bearings can be firmly held in place, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing carrier is divided into a base element and a separate retaining ring that can be assembled independently and then combined, simplifying the manufacturing of each component while ensuring reliable bearing retention through the retaining ring's interference fit with the bearing outer ring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the bearing carrier is hardened to achieve high preload force, then high bearing forces can be transmitted, but the shape tolerances increase due to hardening distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreload forceVSAvoidshape tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing carrier is segmented into a base element and a retaining ring, allowing the base element to be hardened for strength while the retaining ring provides the precise dimensional control needed for bearing retention, compensating for hardening distortion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the hardened base element and the bearing, providing a stable, precisely fitted interface that is not affected by hardening distortion of the base element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the bearing support is designed in one piece, then the structure is simple, but high forces cannot be transmitted in both axial directions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidaxial force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing carrier is segmented into a base element and a retaining ring, enabling the retaining ring to provide axial retention in both directions through its interference fit with the bearing outer ring, while the overall structure remains relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring provides excessive retention capability by creating an interference fit that prevents bearing displacement in both axial directions, ensuring high force transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If the recess extends over more than 180° of the circumference, then the bearing can be securely retained, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing retentionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing carrier is segmented into a base element with a simplified recess and a separate retaining ring that provides the secure retention function, allowing easier assembly of the base element while the retaining ring is added subsequently to ensure reliable bearing retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a cost-effective and simplified assembly method while ensuring high force transmission capabilities in both axial directions, reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating the need for complex handling devices.

Implementation Method 1

the at least two parts of the bearing support are permanently connected to one another by welding or soldering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

the at least two parts of the bearing support are permanently connected to one another by welding or soldering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP1731778B1Bearing arrangement

Publication Date: 2009.04.22 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

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AI summary

The arrangement has bearings kept in a bearing support that includes a circular recess (4) extending around the circumference of rings of one of the bearings in an assembled condition of the bearings. The bearing support is designed as two-parts, where one of the parts is formed in such a manner that the recess extends to more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the rings, and the parts are connected with each other.