Self-Aligning Miniature Ball Bearing with Elastomeric Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for miniature ball bearings that are self-aligning and can be easily press-fit into openings in mounting blocks or thin sheet materials, as existing solutions are costly, labor-intensive, and require high precision, especially for small diameter shafts under 0.5 inches.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning miniature ball bearing assembly with a retainer having a spherical outer wall and an elastomeric compression ring that allows the ball bearing to move within the retainer, enabling it to assume any orientation within a cone, providing both self-clinching and self-aligning capabilities, and can be either self-clinching or press-fit for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting methods with mounting collars and dogs are used, then bearing alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mounting collar and alignment dogs from the system entirely. Instead, the ball bearing itself is directly press-fit into the chassis wall opening, eliminating the need for separate mounting components while maintaining alignment through the press-fit process alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and bearing support function are merged into a single integrated solution. The ball bearing serves both as the rotational support element and as the mounted component, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple precision machining steps are used to mount bearings, then bearing alignment is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearings are pre-positioned and secured in their final aligned location through the press-fit process. The elastomeric compression ring is pre-installed on the retainer, so that when the assembly is pressed into the opening, the bearing is immediately captured in the correct position without requiring subsequent alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit process itself performs the alignment function. As the retainer is pressed into the opening, the spherical outer wall of the bearing naturally centers itself within the opening, and the compression ring captures it in the aligned position, making the alignment self-performing rather than requiring external machining operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-alignment mechanisms with spherical surfaces and movable sleeves are used, then bearing self-alignment is improved, but manufacturing cost and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing's outer race has a spherical outer wall that allows it to pivot and self-align within the retainer. This spherical geometry enables the bearing to accommodate misalignment in multiple directions while maintaining smooth rotation, providing self-alignment through the inherent geometry of the ball bearing itself rather than through complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric compression ring acts as a flexible element that allows the ball bearing to move and pivot within the retainer. The elastic properties of the compression ring accommodate the spherical motion of the bearing while maintaining retention, enabling self-alignment without rigid mechanical constraints.
4Length of stationary object
If ball bearings are used instead of roller bearings or bushings, then profile height and space requirements are reduced, but self-clinching and press-fit capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides rotational support with low friction, maintains a compact profile, and simultaneously enables self-clinching or press-fit installation. The combination of the retainer, compression ring, and ball bearing creates a multi-functional unit that achieves both space efficiency and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric compression ring serves as an intermediary that enables the ball bearing to be securely retained in the retainer while allowing for press-fit or self-clinching installation. The compression ring's elastic properties allow it to deform during installation and then maintain constant retention pressure, making the small ball bearing assembly installable without specialized mounting hardware.
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 reduces the need for precise machining and installation, allowing for easier and more economical mounting of ball bearings in various applications, including small and precision machinery, while maintaining high reliability and low friction, and can be easily adapted for different sizes and materials.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric compression ring that allows the ball bearing to move within the retainer
Implementation Method 2
The ball bearing is movable within its retainer such that the axis of the ball bearing can pivot about the axis of the retainer
Implementation Method 3
miniature ball bearings that are and self-aligning and capable of being press-fit into openings formed in mounting blocks and relatively thin sheet material
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning miniature ball bearing assembly is disclosed for being pressed into an opening formed in a substrate such as a sheet, a pillar block, a mounting flange, or a shaft. In one embodiment, the assembly is self-clinching when pressed into the opening and in an alternate embodiment the assembly is press-fittable into the opening and held with a friction fit. The miniature ball bearing of the assembly is mounted within a retainer and held against an angled bearing seat by a elastomeric compression ring. This allows the axis of the ball bearing to assume any orientation within a cone having a half angle of about 5 degrees with respect to an axis of the retainer. The ball bearing is thereby self-aligning upon receiving a shaft to be rotationally mounted in the assembly.