Two-Part Bearing Cage Structure for High-Speed Ball Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cages for deep groove ball bearings, such as steel cages with riveting connections and one-piece polymer prong-type cages, are unsuitable for high-speed applications due to the 'umbrella effect' and structural limitations, leading to deformation, interference, and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A cage design comprising two sub-parts with integrated partitions and pockets, featuring recesses and pins for fixation, providing a fully enclosed structure that minimizes deformation and enhances structural stiffness, suitable for high-speed operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a one-piece polymer prong-type cage is used, then the cage is lighter in weight and simple in assembling, but it suffers from umbrella effect at high speeds causing deformation and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into two separate sub-parts (first sub-part and second sub-part) that are assembled together. Each sub-part contains multiple partitions that form enclosed pockets when joined. This segmentation allows each part to be structurally optimized for stiffness while maintaining the lightweight advantage of polymer material, eliminating the umbrella effect that occurs in one-piece prong-type cages.
2Strength
If a steel cage with wave profile and riveting connection is used, then the cage has high structural stiffness, but it is heavy and requires complicated assembling process
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is segmented into two sub-parts that can be separately manufactured and then assembled through a simplified process involving insertion of pins into recesses, eliminating the need for complex riveting operations required in traditional steel cages.
Solution Approach 2:
Pins serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the connection between the two sub-parts. The pins insert into corresponding recesses to join the sub-parts together, providing a simpler alternative to riveting while maintaining structural integrity and stiffness.
3Ease of manufacture
If prongs of the cage are allowed large deformation for assembling, then the assembling process is facilitated, but it risks causing the prongs to break
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cage into two rigid sub-parts with integrated pockets, the design eliminates the need for flexible prongs that require large deformations for assembly. The segmented structure allows each sub-part to maintain its shape and structural integrity throughout the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pins act as intermediaries that enable the joining of the two sub-parts without requiring the sub-parts themselves to undergo risky large deformations. The pins provide the necessary flexibility and tolerance accommodation during assembly while the main cage structure remains rigid and intact.
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 new cage design effectively prevents deformation and interference, ensuring stable operation at high speeds and harsh conditions, with reduced stress and improved vibration absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a second pin extend along an axial direction from the second partition belonging to a second set of the plurality of second partitions, and the second pin is fixed in its corresponding first recess
Implementation Method 2
As the speed is increasing, prongs of the one-piece polymer prong-type cage (also known as one-way insert cage) tend to expand and deform outward under centrifugal force, causing the so-called 'umbrella effect'
Data Source
AI summary
A cage includes a first sub-part having a plurality of first partitions integrated as a whole and a plurality of first pocket portions formed by adjacent first partitions. A second sub-part has a plurality of second partitions integrated as a whole and a plurality of second pocket portions formed by adjacent second partitions. A first recess is provided on the first partition belonging to a first set of the plurality of first partitions. A second pin extends along an axial direction from the second partition belonging to a second set of the plurality of second partitions. The second pin is fixed in its corresponding first recess. The first set of first partitions includes any one or more of the plurality of first partitions. The second set of second partitions includes any one or more of the plurality of second partitions and correspond to the first set of first partitions respectively.