Three-Ring Thin-Section Bearing for Reduced Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radially-nested rolling element bearings require significant axial space due to their design, limiting their installation in compact applications and often necessitate materials with similar properties, which restricts versatility and manufacturing flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly with a middle ring of greater radial thickness and distinct material composition, featuring a large outside diameter to axial width ratio, allowing for reduced axial space requirements and adaptable connection interfaces, and utilizing concentric raceways to minimize size while enabling connection with varying members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional radially-nested bearing design is used, then the bearing can support radial loads, but the axial space required is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a middle ring inside the traditional bearing structure, with the middle ring containing its own set of rolling elements between the inner and outer rings. This nested configuration allows the bearing to maintain radial load support functionality while reducing the overall axial width by efficiently utilizing the radial space already occupied by the inner and outer rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane rolling element arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration by introducing the middle ring with rolling elements arranged in a second radial plane. This dimensional change allows load distribution across multiple planes, reducing the axial space requirement while maintaining bearing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If materials with similar properties are used for bearing rings, then manufacturing consistency is maintained, but versatility and manufacturing flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different materials to be used for the inner ring, outer ring, and middle ring. Each ring can be optimized for specific functional requirements - such as using ceramic for the middle ring to reduce weight and increase stiffness, or using different steel grades for optimal wear resistance - while maintaining overall manufacturing consistency through standardized production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables composite material construction by permitting the middle ring to be made from a material different from the inner and outer rings. This allows for hybrid bearing constructions that combine the advantages of different materials, such as ceramic middle rings for high stiffness and low weight with metallic inner and outer rings for strength and ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing assembly includes an inner ring with an inner raceway and disposable about a first member and an outer ring with an outer raceway disposed about the inner ring. A middle ring is disposed between the inner and outer rings and has an inner intermediate raceway and an outer intermediate raceway and is configured to connect with a second member so as to be rotatable about a central axis through the first member. A first set of rolling elements is disposed between the inner ring and the middle ring and a second set of rolling elements is disposed between the outer ring and the middle ring. The outer ring is sized such that a ratio of the outside diameter to the axial width is greater than eight to one (8:1) and the middle ring is formed of a material different than the inner and outer rings.