Split Spherical Roller Bearing Saw-Tooth Joint for Outer Ring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split double row spherical roller bearings face challenges in accurately aligning and maintaining the alignment of outer ring halves, particularly in free bearings that allow axial movement, leading to issues like wedging, jamming, and costly machining for precise joint features.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a split double row spherical roller bearing design featuring saw-tooth arrangements on the outer ring contact surfaces with angles between 25 and 40 degrees, along with a shroud made from ductile material for secure alignment and axial slidable fit, and a manufacturing method using wire electro-discharge machining to form semi-circular parts with parallel and saw-tooth portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a V-shaped split is used to divide the outer ring into two halves, then the bearing can be assembled by resting the halves against each other, but the two halves may wedge apart in the housing due to roller action and jamming when axial movement is allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The saw-tooth arrangement is pre-formed on the contact surfaces of the outer ring halves before assembly. The inclined faces of the saw teeth are designed to automatically guide and maintain alignment during assembly and operation, preventing the halves from wedging apart without requiring additional alignment actions during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The saw-tooth contact surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the two outer ring halves. The inclined faces of the saw teeth provide a mechanical interface that transmits and distributes the roller loads while maintaining precise alignment, preventing direct wedging action between the flat contact surfaces of the halves.
2Manufacturing precision
If dowels or joint screws are used to secure the two outer ring halves together, then alignment can be maintained, but openings must be formed in the respective outer ring halves which is difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate joining features (dowels, screws, or other fasteners) by integrating the alignment and securing function directly into the contact surfaces of the outer ring halves themselves. The saw-tooth arrangement is formed as part of the splitting process, removing the need for additional openings and fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and securing functions are merged into a single integrated feature - the saw-tooth contact surface arrangement. Instead of having separate alignment features and fastening features, the inclined saw teeth simultaneously provide both alignment guidance and mechanical interlocking to prevent separation, simplifying the overall structure.
3Strength
If openings are machined into the outer ring halves to receive dowels or joint screws, then the two halves can be securely joined, but step-like discontinuities may form between the two halves if the fit is not sufficiently accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the contact surface from a flat surface to a saw-tooth profile with specific incline angles. This parameter change transforms the joint mechanism from relying on precise flat surface fitting to relying on the self-aligning geometry of the saw teeth, where the inclined faces automatically compensate for minor dimensional variations.
4Manufacturing precision
If the outer ring halves are joined with tight fit to prevent movement, then alignment is maintained, but the bearing cannot move axially to accommodate thermal expansion of the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The saw-tooth arrangement provides localized mechanical interlocking at the contact surfaces while allowing global axial movement of the entire bearing assembly. The local rigidity at the joint interface maintains alignment, while the overall bearing structure remains free to move axially within the housing to accommodate thermal expansion.
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 design ensures improved alignment and reduced step formation between the outer ring halves, enhancing the bearing's performance and ease of assembly while accommodating axial movement and thermal expansion, and reducing manufacturing costs and material brittleness.
Implementation Method 1
a method for manufacturing a split roller bearing outer race wherein a continuous ring is cut using apparatus which forms a cut of generally consistent width in the material such as wire electro-discharge machining
Data Source
AI summary
A split double row spherical roller bearing comprising an outer ring including an outer race, an inner ring within the outer ring including an inner race, a cage mounted between the inner and outer races, the cage mounting rollers which engage the inner and outer races, the inner ring, inner race, outer ring, outer race, and cage each comprising two generally semicircular parts engageable together to form a circular component via respective radially extending contact surfaces, and characterized in that the contact surfaces of at least the outer ring comprise a saw-tooth arrangement in which the angle of each saw tooth joint is between 25 and 40 degrees.