Split Sealing Ring Layout for Large-Diameter Rolling Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large diameter rolling bearings used in aggressive environments, such as marine applications, have complex structures that lead to high manufacturing costs and long assembly times due to the numerous different parts, particularly in the sealing rings.
Innovation Solution
The rolling bearing design is simplified by using a split sealing ring formed from multiple part rings, including twin rings with specific hole configurations that allow for automatic alignment and reduced number of different ring types, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs and assembly times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple different sealing rings are used to ensure effective sealing in aggressive environments, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into multiple identical part rings that are stacked axially. Each part ring has the same structure with through holes for leakage testing, but they are arranged in sequence to provide multiple sealing zones. This segmentation allows the use of identical standardized parts rather than multiple different sealing ring designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each part ring serves multiple functions: it provides sealing capability, includes through holes for vacuum leakage testing, and can be independently replaced. The identical structure of all part rings allows for standardized manufacturing and maintenance procedures across all sealing positions.
2Reliability
If multiple different sealing rings with various configurations are used to prevent water ingress, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into multiple identical part rings that can be independently assembled. Each part ring has the same hole configuration and sealing structure, allowing for standardized assembly procedures that reduce training requirements and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
All part rings are made identical in structure, material, and hole configuration. This homogeneity allows for simplified assembly procedures where the same techniques and tools are used for each part ring, reducing assembly time and minimizing errors from handling different component types.
3Device complexity
If traditional solid sealing rings are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but leakage testing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into multiple part rings with through holes that allow fluid communication between adjacent chambers. This segmentation creates a pathway for vacuum leakage testing while maintaining the modular structure that facilitates assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The through holes in the part rings serve as intermediaries that allow the vacuum testing fluid to pass through the sealing ring structure. These holes enable the testing function without compromising the sealing capability when properly configured, acting as a mediator between the testing requirement and the sealing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling bearing includes a first ring having a rolling ring and a first, split sealing ring with part rings including an end ring, and a second ring including a second rolling ring and a second sealing ring. Each part ring has one straight through hole along the longitudinal axis and located on a first diameter and a shouldered through hole along the longitudinal axis, each part ring between the rolling ring and end ring being an intermediate ring with a threaded hole along the longitudinal axis. Two intermediate rings are adjacent twin rings each including a shouldered through hole and a threaded hole separated by an angle and two straight through holes along the longitudinal axis, located on the first diameter and separated by the angle. A channel extends from the end ring toward the first rolling ring and delimited partly by the straight holes of the twin rings.