Sensorized Rolling Bearing Windows for Wireless Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-diameter rolling bearings with metallic components experience heavy interference or blocking of electromagnetic waves, preventing wireless communication with sensorized rollers, especially when installed in a way that creates a Faraday cage effect.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating through-windows in the axial thickness of plates within the rolling bearing and securing antennas to face these windows, allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through and enabling wireless communication with sensorized rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rolling bearing uses metallic components and closed system oil lubrication, then the bearing structure is sealed and protected, but electromagnetic waves are heavily interfered with or blocked preventing wireless communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing sealing and protectionVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is divided by creating through-windows that segment the metallic structure into regions that allow electromagnetic wave passage while maintaining the overall sealing function of the bearing housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The through-window acts as an intermediary structure that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through the otherwise blocking metallic plate, enabling wireless communication without compromising the sealed bearing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the sensorized roller is installed in the bearing, then monitoring capability is enabled, but the roller is shielded by Faraday cage effect preventing wireless data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidFaraday cage shielding

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The through-window extracts or removes the blocking effect of the metallic plate in the specific region where the antenna is positioned, allowing electromagnetic waves to reach the sensorized roller and exit the bearing structure for external communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If through-windows are made in the plate, then electromagnetic signal transmission is enabled, but the plate structure is modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidplate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The through-window creates a passage in the axial dimension of the plate, allowing electromagnetic waves to traverse through the plate thickness without compromising the radial and circumferential structural integrity of the bearing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enables reliable wireless communication with sensorized rollers, overcoming the interference issues and allowing for real-time data transmission and machine performance adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

at least one through-window is made in the axial thickness of the at least one plate... The signal will be able to go through the plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12297863B2Rolling bearing comprising at least a sensorized axial rolling element, machine comprising said bearing a process for controlling said machine

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rolling bearing comprising a first ring, a second ring, at least one row of rolling elements arranged between axial raceways provided on the rings, at least one plate bearing against one of the first and second rings to close the bearing. At least one of the rolling elements is a sensorized rolling element. At least one through-window is made in the axial thickness of the at least one plate. The rolling bearing further comprises at least one antenna facing the at least one window.