Segmented Retainer for Radial Roller Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing retainer structures for radial roller bearings face issues with strength, moldability, assemblability, and lubrication performance, particularly due to the asymmetrical flange portions and discontinuous surfaces which lead to reduced load capacity, increased costs, and abrasion resistance concerns.
Innovation Solution
A retainer design featuring first and second rim portions with equal outer and inner diameters, connected by pillar portions forming pockets for rollers, and incorporating expandable elastic connecting portions and passage portions for improved lubricant flow, allowing for continuous surface contact and enhanced abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a split portion is formed at a part of a retainer made of resin with an elastic body connecting the annular portions, then the retainer can be assembled with stepped portions or collar portions on the shaft, but the strength of the flange portions is reduced and the spring mechanism requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into a first annular portion and a second annular portion that are separated by a first cutout portion and a second cutout portion, respectively. This segmentation allows the retainer to be flexibly assembled with stepped portions or collar portions on the shaft while maintaining structural integrity through the pillar portions that connect the annular portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connecting portion is integrated into the retainer structure itself rather than being a separate component. The elastic connecting portion connects the first end portion of the first annular portion to the second end portion of the second annular portion, merging the spring mechanism with the retainer body to save space while maintaining strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutout portions are formed at rim portions of the retainer, then the retainer can expand and contract for assembly, but the flange portions become weaker and require reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is optimized locally around the cutout portions. The first and second annular portions are formed with cutout portions at specific locations to allow expansion and contraction, while the pillar portions are strategically positioned to maintain structural strength in the flange regions. The elastic connecting portion is localized to provide the necessary flexibility without compromising overall strength.
3Reliability
If passage portions are added to rim portions for lubricant flow, then lubrication performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rim portions of the retainer are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable expansion and contraction through cutout portions, and facilitate lubrication through integrated passage portions. The passage portions are formed as part of the rim portion structure itself, allowing lubricant to flow from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side without requiring separate lubrication components.
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 enhances the strength, moldability, and assemblability of the retainer while improving lubrication performance and abrasion resistance by ensuring continuous surface contact and efficient lubricant flow, even when the guide portion for the retainer is not sufficiently secured.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable elastic connecting portion, which connects the first end portion of the first rim portion to the second end portion of the second rim portion, is provided between the first and second rim portions
Implementation Method 2
passage portions for improved lubricant flow, allowing for continuous surface contact and enhanced abrasion resistance
Implementation Method 3
improving lubrication performance and abrasion resistance by ensuring continuous surface contact and efficient lubricant flow
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of rim portions (4a) and (4b) is formed in the shape of a discontinuous segmental circular ring, which includes cutout portions (8a) and (8b), respectively, at one position. The cutout portions of the respective rim portions are concentrically disposed so as to face each other with a predetermined interval therebetween in an axial direction while having the same phase in a circumferential direction. A plurality of pillar portions (6) form pockets (10) where rollers (14) are retained. An expandable elastic connecting portion (12), which connects one end portion (84a) of one rim portion in the circumferential direction to the other end portion (82b) of the other rim portion in the circumferential direction, is provided at the pair of rim portions.