Sensor Bearing With Stress-Based Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearings with integrated sensors and power generation functions have complex structures, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design that includes an outer ring, inner ring, cage, seal member, sensor, transmission unit, and power generation unit, where the power generation unit converts stress into electromotive force to supply power to the sensor and transmission unit, eliminating the need for magnets and coils, thus simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If magnets and coils are disposed in the bearing to generate power through electromagnetic induction, then the bearing can transmit sensor output to outside, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnets and coils from the bearing structure, replacing the electromagnetic induction power generation method with a different approach that does not require these components, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into fewer components. The new power generation mechanism combines power generation and transmission functions without requiring separate magnet and coil assemblies, reducing structural complexity while achieving the same information transmission goal
2Extent of automation
If magnets and coils are disposed in the bearing to generate power, then the bearing can operate wirelessly, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex magnet and coil assembly from the manufacturing process, replacing it with a simpler power generation mechanism that reduces manufacturing steps and complexity while preserving wireless operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a power generation approach that uses simpler, more easily manufactured components with shorter production cycles, replacing the expensive and complex magnet-coil assembly with more economical alternatives that achieve the same functional outcome
3Power
If magnets are disposed in the cage with N poles and S poles adjacent to each other, then electromagnetic induction can be achieved, but the configuration becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex alternating N-S pole magnet arrangement from the cage structure, replacing it with a simplified power generation approach that does not require such intricate magnetic configurations, thereby reducing both complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic field generation system (magnets in cage) with an alternative power generation mechanism that achieves the same electromagnetic power output without requiring the complex physical magnet arrangement
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 achieves a bearing with a sensor and power generation function in a simple configuration, reducing manufacturing costs and avoiding the drawbacks of magnetic interference, while enabling efficient power generation and stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The power generation unit includes an element that converts stress into electromotive force
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing equipped with a sensor and incorporating a power generation function in a simple configuration is provided. A bearing includes an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements, an inner ring, a cage, a seal member, a sensor, a transmission unit, and a power generation unit. The sensor is disposed in the seal member, and detects state information of the bearing. The transmission unit transmits the state information detected by the sensor to outside. The power generation unit is disposed so as to face a bearing space sandwiched between the outer ring and the inner ring, and generates electric power that is to be supplied to the sensor and the transmission unit. The power generation unit includes an element that converts stress into electromotive force.