Sensor Bearing Cover Side Wall Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor bearing assemblies face challenges with inconvenient access to sensors, risk of sensor damage during installation, and costly downtime due to the need for careful alignment and removal of covers to access the axial ends of rotating shafts.
Innovation Solution
A sensor bearing assembly design featuring a cover with a radially-extending end wall and annular side wall, where sensors are mounted on the side wall, spaced radially outward from the detection member, allowing for easier installation and replacement, and reducing the risk of damage by being removably attached to a sensor mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is mounted on the end wall of the cover, then the shaft end can be enclosed, but the sensor is difficult to install and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensor mounting location from the end wall (axial dimension) to the side wall (radial dimension) of the cover. This dimensional change allows the sensor to be mounted on the accessible side wall rather than the difficult-to-reach end wall, improving both installation ease and sensor protection while maintaining sensing functionality through the cover structure.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is removed to access the sensor, then the sensor can be accessed, but the process is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the sensor mounting from the end wall to the side wall of the cover, the patent enables access to the sensor through the side wall opening without requiring removal of the entire cover. This maintains the enclosed structure while providing convenient sensor accessibility, significantly reducing maintenance time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sensor is mounted on the cover end wall, then the shaft end can be enclosed, but careful axial alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor mounting from the axial direction (end wall) to the radial direction (side wall). This eliminates the need for precise axial alignment between the sensor and the detection member, as the sensor can be positioned radially outward on the side wall. The cover structure itself provides the alignment reference, greatly simplifying installation while maintaining measurement precision.
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 design enhances accessibility and reduces the risk of sensor damage, facilitating easier installation and maintenance while maintaining accurate sensing of shaft displacement, thereby minimizing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor mounted to the cover side wall...configured to sense angular displacement of the detection member about the shaft central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor bearing assembly for supporting a rotatable shaft includes a bearing having an inner ring disposable about the shaft, an outer ring disposed about the inner ring, and rolling elements between the rings. An annular detection member is coupled with the bearing inner ring and has an outer circumferential surface and a circular cover is configured to enclose the axial end of the shaft when the bearing assembly is mounted on the shaft. The cover includes a rim coupled with the bearing outer ring, a radially-extending end wall spaced axially from the shaft end, and an annular side wall extending axially between the end wall and the rim. A sensor is mounted to the cover side wall, has an inner end spaced radially outwardly from the detection member outer circumferential surface, and is configured to sense angular displacement of the detection member about the shaft central axis.