Variable-Curvature Raceway Speed Reducer for Low Sliding Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearings face challenges in maintaining stability and minimizing sliding friction while accommodating varying loads and operational conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of raceways with variable curvature and guide structures that constrain rolling elements to maintain opposing contact points, reducing sliding and enhancing stability through a design process that optimizes raceway shapes and guide structures using computer-aided design techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional bearings with constant curvature raceways are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but sliding friction increases and stability decreases under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable curvature to the raceway surfaces, transitioning from constant curvature (circular) to variable curvature profiles. The inner raceway has a different curvature profile than the outer raceway, creating an elliptical or oval-shaped contact path. This curvature variation optimizes the contact geometry between rolling elements and raceways, reducing sliding friction and improving load distribution while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the raceway from constant to variable curvature. By modifying the raceway profile parameters (such as transitioning from circular to elliptical geometry), the contact conditions between rolling elements and raceways are optimized. This parameter change reduces sliding friction and improves bearing performance without requiring fundamentally new structural concepts
2Stability of the object's composition
If rolling elements are allowed to move freely between raceways, then the bearing structure is simple, but stability and contact consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide structures as intermediary elements between the rolling elements and the raceways. These guide structures constrain the rolling elements to follow specific contact paths and maintain proper positioning, ensuring consistent contact points and improving stability. The guide structures act as mediators that translate the motion of rolling elements into controlled, stable contact patterns
3Reliability
If raceways have variable curvature with repeating patterns, then rolling element stability and contact consistency improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the raceway surface into repeating pattern segments or lobes. Instead of creating a completely unique variable curvature profile, the raceway is segmented into identical or similar repeating units. This segmentation approach maintains the benefits of variable curvature (improved stability and contact consistency) while simplifying manufacturing, as the same pattern can be replicated around the circumference using standard machining or forming processes
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
This approach stabilizes rolling elements, reduces sliding friction, and enhances the efficiency and durability of bearings by maintaining consistent contact points, thereby improving performance and extending the life of the mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A class of bearing in which the main load is transferred from one component to the other through the bearing elements in rolling contact rather than sliding contact is generally referred to as a rolling-contact bearing, an antifriction bearing, or a rolling bearing. Rolling typically has less friction than sliding and therefore rolling bearings tend to be more energy efficient than bearings that slide.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism including a first pair of races having a first pair of raceways and a first rolling element operable to roll between the first pair of raceways, wherein at least one of the first pair of raceways has a substantially variable curvature along at least a portion of a path of the first rolling element. A program product that determines a solution by adjusting the curvature of a first pair of raceways on opposite sides of a rolling element, at least one of the first pair of raceways having a substantially variable curvature along the contact points in the direction of the corresponding range of motion for the rolling element.