Spring-Biased Thrust Ring Bearing for Axial Clearance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing large-diameter rolling bearings with spring systems cannot measure initial axial clearance without dismounting rings, as the spring systems cancel out the clearance.

Innovation Solution

A rolling bearing design with a thrust ring and a spring system that includes a pushing member with a threaded hole, allowing for axial compression of the spring element to measure the initial axial clearance without dismounting rings, by using a screw to create and measure the axial clearance between the thrust ring and the rolling elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring system is used to push the thrust ring against the rolling elements to remove axial clearance, then the axial clearance is eliminated and vibration impact is limited, but the initial axial clearance cannot be measured without dismounting rings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration impact limitationVSAvoidinitial axial clearance measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is segmented into a spring element and a pushing member with a threaded hole. This segmentation allows a screw to be engaged into the threaded hole, enabling the spring element to be compressed independently for measurement purposes while maintaining the overall spring system functionality for vibration control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A screw is introduced as an intermediary tool to compress the spring element. By engaging the screw into the threaded hole of the pushing member, the spring element can be temporarily compressed to create measurable axial clearance between the thrust ring and rolling elements, allowing measurement without dismounting rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the spring system compresses the thrust ring against the rolling elements, then axial clearance is removed, but measurement of the initial axial clearance requires disassembly of the bearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial clearance controlVSAvoidmeasurement accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing member is designed with a threaded hole that serves dual purposes: it allows the spring element to be mounted and provides access for a screw to compress the spring element during measurement. This multi-functionality enables both the operational function of removing axial clearance and the measurement function of assessing initial axial clearance without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded hole is pre-provided in the pushing member during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for easy access to compress the spring element when measurement is needed, eliminating the need for disassembly while maintaining the precision of axial clearance control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If rings are dismounted to measure axial clearance, then accurate measurement is possible, but productivity is reduced and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial clearance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw acts as an intermediary measurement tool that can be inserted through the threaded hole in the pushing member. This allows the spring element to be compressed and axial clearance to be measured directly through the accessible threaded hole, achieving accurate measurement without the time-consuming process of dismounting rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing member with the threaded hole is designed to be self-sufficient for measurement purposes. The threaded hole provides direct access to compress the spring element and measure axial clearance, allowing the bearing structure itself to facilitate measurement without requiring external disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables measurement of the initial axial clearance within the bearing without disassembling it, allowing for precise assessment and adjustment of the bearing's axial alignment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring system to axially push the thrust ring against the axial rolling elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

compressing the spring element of the spring system by using a screw engaged into the threaded hole of the pushing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11313413B2Rolling bearing with spring biased thrust ring, and method for measuring an axial clearance of a rolling bearing having a thrust ring

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A rolling bearing includes a first ring, a second ring, at least one row of axial rolling elements arranged between the first ring and the second ring, and at least one thrust ring axially interposed between the axial rolling elements and the first ring and delimiting a raceway for the axial rolling elements. At least one spring system axially biases the thrust ring against the axial rolling elements and includes a piston housed in a through-hole of the first ring and a spring element pressing the piston against the thrust ring. The piston includes a threaded hole accessible from outside the first ring.