Slotted Bearing Spring Disc for Uniform Preload Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring discs for bearings do not effectively manage stress distribution and preload application, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in bearing performance.
Innovation Solution
A slotted spring disc design featuring an annular and conical portion with evenly distributed slots extending radially, circumferentially, and diagonally, providing improved stress distribution and preload capabilities, and made from materials like polyamide PA6 nylon with glass fiber to avoid damage to insulating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If slots are added to the spring disc to improve stress distribution, then stress concentration is reduced, but the structural integrity and strength of the spring disc may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring disc is segmented by introducing multiple slots that divide the disc into radial segments. These slots allow the structure to flex and distribute stress more evenly across the bearing block, preventing stress concentration at any single point while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring disc features non-uniform slot distribution with varying widths - narrower slots in the radially inner region and wider slots in the radially outer region. This local variation in slot geometry optimizes stress distribution in different zones of the spring disc, allowing each region to handle stress appropriately based on its location and load characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the spring disc material is made softer to avoid damage to insulating components, then protection of insulating components is improved, but the preload application capability and durability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring disc is made from polyamide material, representing a change in material parameters from traditional metal springs. This polymer material provides sufficient elasticity to apply and maintain preload force while being inherently softer and more compliant, thus protecting insulating components from damage during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of polyamide represents a composite material approach that combines the necessary mechanical properties - sufficient strength for preload application with adequate softness to protect insulating components. The material's viscoelastic properties allow it to function as both a structural element and a protective element simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring disc design is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to provide uniform stress distribution and preload may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring disc incorporates multiple slots that segment the structure into radial sections. This segmentation is achieved through a single mold injection process, making the complex stress-distributing geometry manufacturable as one integrated part. The slots create natural stress pathways that distribute load uniformly while the entire structure can be produced in one manufacturing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring disc performs multiple functions simultaneously: it applies preload to the bearing block, distributes stress uniformly across the contact surface, and protects insulating components from damage. The integrated design with slots achieves all these functions in a single component that can be manufactured through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
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
Enhances stress distribution and preload application, reducing stress concentrations and improving bearing performance while maintaining integrity and compatibility with insulating components.
Implementation Method 1
springs, and more specifically to a slotted spring disc for a bearing... providing improved stress distribution and preload capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A slotted spring disc for a bearing includes an annular portion, a conical portion extending radially inward from the annular portion, and a plurality of slots extending from the annular portion through the conical portion. In some example embodiments, an outer ring of the annular portion is devoid of the plurality of slots. In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of slots extend purely radially inward from the outer ring through the annular portion. In some example embodiments, each of the plurality of slots extend through an entirety of the conical portion. In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of slots extend radially and circumferentially through the conical portion. In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of slots extend diagonally through the conical portion. An insulated bearing assembly including the slotted spring disc is also disclosed.