Split Spherical Roller Bearing Outer Ring with Saw-Tooth Joint
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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 applications requiring axial movement, due to lack of mechanical connection and costly machining processes, which can lead to jamming and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a split double row spherical roller bearing design featuring an outer ring with saw-tooth contact surfaces having angles between 25° and 40°, multiple direction changes, and a shroud made from ductile material for secure alignment, along with a manufacturing method using wire electro-discharge machining to form semi-circular parts, addresses the alignment and assembly challenges.
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 easily, but the two halves cannot be mechanically connected and may wedge apart during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is divided into two semi-circular parts through a split, enabling easy assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the saw-tooth joint design that prevents the halves from wedging apart during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional V-shaped split is modified into an asymmetric saw-tooth arrangement with specific angle ranges (25-40 degrees) and multiple direction changes, creating interlocking surfaces that provide both easy assembly and reliable mechanical connection
2Reliability
If a straight-line split with dowels or joint screws is used to connect outer ring halves, then mechanical connection is achieved, but costly machining and susceptibility to fracture occur
Solution Approach 1:
The straight-line split with symmetric dowel holes is replaced by an asymmetric saw-tooth pattern, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing machining operations while maintaining strong mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The split geometry is changed from a simple straight line to a saw-tooth pattern with specific angular parameters (25-40 degrees) and multiple direction changes, transforming the joint into a self-locking structure that is both strong and easy to manufacture
3Manufacturing precision
If machining is performed after hardening to avoid heat treatment problems, then dimensional accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The saw-tooth features are designed to be machined before hardening when the material is softer and more easily worked, eliminating the need for expensive post-hardening machining while ensuring accurate fit and finish through proper tooling and process control
4Reliability
If the outer ring is made fixed in the housing to ensure alignment, then axial location is provided, but axial movement cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing design allows the outer ring halves to dynamically adjust their position relative to each other through the saw-tooth joint, enabling axial movement capability while the interlocking teeth maintain alignment stability during operation
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 precise alignment and smooth joining of outer ring halves, reducing the likelihood of jamming and performance issues, while minimizing manufacturing costs and material brittleness, and accommodating axial movement requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a manufacturing method using wire electro-discharge machining to form semi-circular parts
Data Source
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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.