Split Ring Swing Bearing Design for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swing bearings face challenges in reducing weight, thickness, and manufacturing cost due to their construction from bearing steel, which limits their application in lightweight and cost-effective manufacturing, especially in fields like industrial robots where compact and lightweight designs are required.

Innovation Solution

The swing bearing is designed with split rings formed from thin plate materials through press working, cutting, or forming, allowing for a compact, lightweight structure with reduced manufacturing costs by using a pair of split rings for both the outer and inner rings, which are fixed together to form the bearing, and incorporating features like rounded raceway surfaces and labyrinth portions for improved durability and lubrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional swing bearings are manufactured from bearing steel through cutting work, then strength and durability are ensured, but weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer ring is divided into two split rings that are assembled together, allowing the bearing to be manufactured from plate material through press working rather than requiring solid bearing steel casting or machining, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter from solid bearing steel to plate material with specific thickness (1-5mm), and changes the manufacturing method from cutting work to press working, achieving weight reduction while the rounded raceway surfaces maintain the required strength and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional swing bearings are manufactured through cutting work on bearing steel, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing components are segmented into split rings that can be manufactured through press working of plate material, which is a lower-cost process compared to cutting work on bearing steel, while the engagement surfaces and fastening structures maintain structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses cheaper plate material instead of expensive bearing steel, and accepts that the split ring structure requires additional assembly components (fasteners, engagement surfaces) to achieve the same structural integrity, overall reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If the bearing is designed to be compact and lightweight, then thickness is reduced, but resistance to foreign matter and grease leakage may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethicknessVSAvoidresistance to foreign matter and grease leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The split ring structure creates an assembly interface that, when properly designed with engagement surfaces and fasteners, can incorporate sealing features to prevent grease leakage and foreign matter entry while maintaining compact thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement surfaces and fastening structures act as intermediaries that connect the split rings while providing a means to incorporate sealing elements, thus protecting against harmful factors without increasing overall bearing thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 results in a lightweight, compact swing bearing with reduced manufacturing costs, improved durability through lubricant retention and reduced contact areas, and enhanced resistance to foreign matter and leakage, suitable for applications in industrial robots and other machinery.

Implementation Method 1

each of the split rings is formed from plate material having a predetermined thickness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress working: Cold-forming

Implementation Method 2

cutting work on a metal plate having a predetermined thickness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCutting:

Implementation Method 3

rounded raceway surfaces and labyrinth portions for improved durability and lubrication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRounded surface contact:

Implementation Method 4

labyrinth portions for improved durability and lubrication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLabyrinth structure:

Data Source

PatentUS10851837B2Swing bearing

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 NIPPON THOMPSON

AI summary

A swing bearing allows a reduction in thickness, weight, and manufacturing cost by fixing together a pair of split rings each formed of a plate member to form an outer ring, and fixing together a pair of split rings each formed of a plate member to form an inner ring. The outer ring is composed of a pair of split rings which are obtained by splitting the outer ring at an axially midpoint of the first raceway groove, are formed of respective plate members, and are fixed together. The inner ring is composed of a pair of split rings which are obtained by splitting the inner ring at an axially midpoint of the second raceway groove, are formed of respective plate members, and are fixed together.