Double-Row Track Roller Bearing With Integrated Thrust Ball Race

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art double row needle roller track roller bearings in aircraft wing lift assisting devices cannot carry axial thrust loads without significant wear and friction, necessitating frequent lubrication to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

A double row needle track roller bearing design featuring a single piece outer ring with radially inward facing roller and ball races, and a two-piece inner ring assembly with abutting sections that accommodate axial thrust loads without the need for re-lubrication, utilizing seals to retain lubricant and prevent its introduction after assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If prior art double row needle roller track roller bearings are mounted against bushings to carry axial thrust loads, then axial thrust load carrying capability is improved, but wear and friction increase significantly requiring frequent lubrication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial thrust load carrying capabilityVSAvoidwear and friction
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the bushing component from the bearing assembly. Instead of using a separate bushing to carry axial thrust loads, the patent integrates the thrust load carrying function directly into the bearing races through specially configured raceways that guide rollers to accommodate axial loads, thereby removing the source of rotational rubbing and associated wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces sealed shields as intermediary elements between the bearing components and the external environment. These shields retain lubricant within the bearing assembly and prevent contamination, eliminating the need for frequent re-lubrication while maintaining reduced wear and friction conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frequent lubrication is provided to the bushing to mitigate wear and friction, then wear and friction are reduced, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear and frictionVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a sealed bearing design where the lubricant is retained within the bearing assembly by integrated shields, creating a self-sufficient system that does not require external intervention for re-lubrication. The bearing maintains its lubrication state throughout its operational life without maintenance input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By eliminating the bushing component entirely and replacing it with integrated raceway configurations, the invention removes the maintenance-intensive element from the system, reducing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The bearing effectively supports axial thrust loads while reducing wear and friction, eliminating the need for periodic lubrication and enhancing operational reliability by maintaining lubrication within the bearing during its operational life.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first seal and the second seal are configured to retain a lubricant between the inner ring assembly and the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of first rollers...rollingly engage the first outer roller race and the first inner roller race. A plurality of second rollers...rollingly engage the second outer roller race and the second inner roller race. A plurality of balls...rollingly engage the outer ball race and the inner ball race

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3819509B1Double row needle track roller bearing with a thrust load carrying ball bearing
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 ROLLER BEARING OF AMERICA INC
  • EP3819509B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3819509B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3819509B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

A bearing (200) includes an outer ring (205) with a first outer roller race (219), a second outer roller race, (219') and a radially inward facing outer ball race (222B). The bearing (200) includes a first and second inner rings (207, 207') that axially abutting one another at an abutment interface. The first inner ring (207) has a first inner roller race (214), the second inner ring (207') has a second inner roller race (214') that are disposed in an interior area coaxially with the outer ring (205). A plurality of first rollers (203) rollingly engage the first outer roller race (219) and the first inner roller race (214). A plurality of second rollers (203') rollingly engage the second outer roller race (219') and the second inner roller race (214'). A plurality of balls (221) rollingly engage the outer ball race (222B) and the inner ball race (222A).