Split-Ring Rolling Bearing Alignment for Large-Diameter Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of large-diameter rolling bearings with split rings is laborious and costly due to misalignment of ring segments in the axial and radial directions, requiring disassembly and realignment during assembly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating alignment members, such as axial and radial pins, between the facing ends of split-ring segments to facilitate precise alignment in both directions, along with fixing means to secure the segments together, reducing the need for disassembly and realignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If ring segments are assembled without alignment members, then the assembly process is simpler in terms of components, but misalignment occurs in axial and radial directions requiring disassembly and realignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of ring segmentsVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment members (pins or spherical elements) are introduced as intermediary components between ring segments to mediate the alignment process. These members fit into corresponding recesses and protrude into facing ends, enabling precise alignment in both axial and radial directions without requiring complex adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If alignment members are added to facilitate precise alignment, then assembly precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of ring segmentsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment function is segmented into simple, discrete alignment members (pins or spherical elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each alignment member handles a specific alignment task (axial or radial), allowing for standardized production and reduced overall manufacturing complexity despite the addition of multiple components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple alignment members (axial and radial pins) are used, then alignment precision in both directions is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision in axial and radial directionsVSAvoidnumber of alignment components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple alignment members (axial pins and radial pins) are combined to work together in a coordinated manner. The axial pins handle alignment in the axial direction while radial pins handle alignment in the radial direction, and their combined action achieves precise positioning of ring segments without requiring each individual component to be overly complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11067128B2Rolling bearing, notably large-diameter rolling bearing

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rolling bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, at least the inner ring or the outer ring being split into a plurality of successive circumferential ring segments. The rolling bearing further includes at least one alignment member circumferentially interposed between each pair of facing ends of the successive ring segments of the split-ring. The alignment member being secured onto a first one of the facing ends and protruding into a recess formed onto a second one of the facing ends to align the pair of facing ends in radial and axial directions.