Split Outer Ring Bearing Assembly with Interference Fit Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting the inner member into the outer member of spherical bearing assemblies is challenging due to the difficulty in achieving the required torque, especially with large annular flanges and materials that are prone to cracking, and split race bearings often require retaining rings to stay assembled.
Innovation Solution
A split race bearing assembly with a tab configuration that includes circumferentially extending indentations and tab projections, allowing for a snap-fit assembly and secure locking without the need for swaging, enabling easy assembly and preventing separation during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If swaging the outer member around the inner member to fixedly retain it, then the inner member is securely retained, but the process becomes difficult due to geometry and material properties, risking crack initiation or fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The outer member is divided into two separable portions (first outer member portion and second outer member portion) that can be assembled around the inner member independently, eliminating the need for difficult swaging operations while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The tab projection and indentation are pre-formed features on the outer member portions before assembly, allowing the components to self-align and lock into place during assembly without requiring complex swaging operations
2Ease of manufacture
If using a split race as the outer member to simplify mounting, then the mounting process is simplified, but the split race will not remain assembled without a retaining ring
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is integrated directly into the outer member portions themselves (tab projection and indentation), combining the splitting benefit with self-retention capability, eliminating the need for separate retaining rings
Solution Approach 2:
The outer member portions automatically lock together through the tab and indentation interface during assembly, making the assembly self-retaining without requiring additional retaining components
3Manufacturing precision
If achieving required torque for bearing assembly, then the bearing torque is within specification, but the process becomes complex especially with large annular flanges and crack-prone materials
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the outer member into two portions allows for simpler, less complex assembly operations that are easier to control for torque specifications, avoiding the complexity of swaging large-flanged components
Solution Approach 2:
The tab and indentation locking mechanism provides a simple, disposable-like assembly approach that achieves torque specifications through basic mechanical interlocking rather than complex controlled deformation processes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A bearing (10) includes a split outer race (100) having a first outer race member (102) and a second outer race member (104) that form an annular ring. The bearing includes an activation member that is rotatable from a first position to a second position and is at least partially disposed in the annular ring. A locking feature is defined by the first outer race member, the second outer race member and the activation member. The locking feature has an unlocked position and a locked position. The unlocked position corresponds to the first position of the activation member and the locked position corresponds to the second position of the activation member.