Sliding Bearing Assembly With Induction-Heated Clamping Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding bearing assembly methods lack high process reliability and long-term usability of assembly components, particularly in maintaining the angular position and stability of divided outer rings during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for assembling a sliding bearing with a divided outer ring and a clamping ring, where the clamping ring is heated using an induction-heating device to shrink onto and detach from the outer ring, minimizing heat transfer and wear, allowing for efficient assembly and reuse across multiple bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping ring is heated to shrink onto the outer ring for assembly, then the assembly process reliability is improved, but heat transfer to the outer ring may cause deformation or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature control device as an intermediary between the heat source and the outer ring. This device selectively heats only the clamping ring while minimizing heat transfer to the outer ring, thus enabling reliable assembly without causing thermal damage to the bearing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control device applies heating locally and selectively to the clamping ring only, rather than heating the entire assembly. This localized heating approach ensures that the clamping ring expands for easy assembly while the outer ring remains at a safe temperature to avoid deformation or damage.
2Ease of operation
If conventional heating methods are used to heat the clamping ring, then assembly is enabled, but excessive heat input damages the outer ring and reduces component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device acts as a precise intermediary that mediates the heating process. It enables the clamping ring to be heated to the required temperature for assembly while simultaneously preventing excessive heat transfer to the outer ring, thus preserving component lifespan through controlled thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs precise control of thermal parameters (temperature, heating time, heat distribution) to achieve the desired clamping ring expansion for assembly. By optimizing these parameters, the system enables easy assembly while minimizing thermal exposure to the outer ring, thereby extending component service life.
3Ease of operation
If the outer ring is heavily heated during assembly, then the clamping ring can be easily attached, but the angular position stability and shape of the outer ring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device provides localized heating exclusively to the clamping ring, enabling easy attachment while leaving the outer ring's angular position and shape unchanged. This selective heating approach maintains the precision and stability of the bearing's geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control device serves as a precise intermediary that controls the thermal interaction between the heating source and the bearing components. It ensures that only the clamping ring receives sufficient heat for attachment, while the outer ring's critical geometric properties remain stable and unchanged.
4Device complexity
If traditional assembly methods are used without temperature control, then the process is simpler, but process reliability and long-term usability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control device is introduced as a specialized intermediary component that, while adding some system complexity, dramatically improves assembly process reliability. It ensures consistent, controlled heating that prevents thermal damage and ensures proper assembly, leading to better long-term usability and component performance.
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 ensures high process reliability and long-term usability by maintaining the angular position of the outer ring and minimizing wear on the clamping ring, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly with minimal heat input to the outer ring, thus maintaining the stability and shape of the sliding bearing.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control device is an induction-heating device, i.e., an inductor
Implementation Method 2
using the skin effect, to heat up areas of the clamping ring close to the surface in a targeted manner
Implementation Method 3
The heated clamping ring is placed on the outer ring... for the purpose of disassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A device for assembling a sliding bearing, in particular a spherical bearing, which has an inner ring and a divided outer ring, the device including a clamping ring provided for receiving the outer ring, the inner diameter of the clamping ring corresponding at most to the outer diameter of the outer ring in the maximally compressed state thereof. To shrink the clamping ring onto the outer ring and to detach the clamping ring from the outer ring, a temperature control device, in particular in the form of an induction-heating device, which heats the clamping ring, is provided.