Split Plain Bearing Retention Using Elastic O-Ring Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plain bearings with metal snap rings face issues with secure cohesion and retention of the divided outer sliding surface element, and the installation process is complicated.

Innovation Solution

The use of rubber-elastic rings, specifically commercially available rubber O-rings, is introduced to hold together the divided outer sliding surface element, replacing the metal snap rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal snap rings are used to hold the divided outer sliding surface element, then the cohesion and retention are maintained, but the installation process becomes significantly more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecohesion and retention of outer sliding surface elementVSAvoidinstallation process difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastic rubber, fundamentally altering the installation characteristics. The elastic ring can be compressed to a smaller diameter for installation, then naturally expands to its original size to secure the outer sliding surface element, making installation significantly easier while maintaining reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an elastic rubber ring instead of a rigid metal snap ring. The flexible nature of the rubber ring allows it to be deformed during installation and then return to its original shape, providing both ease of installation and secure retention through its elastic recovery force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If metal snap rings are used to hold the divided outer sliding surface element, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of outer sliding surface elementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive metal snap rings with inexpensive rubber elastic rings. The rubber material is significantly cheaper to manufacture, and the rings can be produced using simple molding processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses rubber as an elastic material to create a retention ring that combines flexibility with sufficient mechanical strength. This material choice provides both structural integrity for holding the outer sliding surface element and cost-effectiveness compared to metal alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If an outer sliding surface element is divided into two semicircular portions, then the assembly can be manufactured and installed, but the cohesion and retention are not securely ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly manufacturabilityVSAvoidcohesion and retention of divided element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic rubber ring acts as a flexible retaining element that securely holds the two semicircular portions of the outer sliding surface element together. The rubber material's elasticity allows it to exert continuous radial pressure, ensuring secure cohesion while accommodating minor dimensional variations in the divided elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the elastic parameter of rubber material to create a retention mechanism that dynamically adapts to the divided outer sliding surface element. The elastic ring's ability to deform and recover provides secure retention, overcoming the cohesion problems associated with rigid fastening methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides improved cohesion and retention of the outer sliding surface element, while simplifying the installation process and reducing costs compared to metal snap rings.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber-elastic ring is disposed within the at least one groove of the outer surface element and is configured to hold together the divided outer sliding surface element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12320386B2Plain bearing

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A plain bearing includes an outer sliding surface element and an inner sliding surface element enclosed by the outer sliding surface element. The outer sliding surface element is divided along a substantially planar surface that includes the main axis of the sliding bearing and is formed with at least one radially encircling groove on the outer surface. A rubber-elastic or elastomeric is inserted in the at least one groove such that the ring holds together or retains the divided outer sliding surface element.