Wave Spring with Radial Attachment for Bearing Ring Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave springs require high installation effort for direct attachment to bearing rings, which is typically avoided due to complexity and increased effort.
Innovation Solution
A wave spring with a radially resilient spring section that exerts a radial spring force, allowing for a friction- and/or force-fit attachment to machine parts, combined with an axially resilient section for axial spring force, enabling easy installation without compromising strength or requiring additional mechanical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a wave spring is directly attached to a bearing ring, then the attachment strength is improved, but the installation effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is divided into two functional sections: an axially resilient spring section for providing axial spring force and a radially resilient spring section for attachment. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, with the radial section providing simple attachment via friction or force-fit while the axial section maintains the required spring force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is shifted from the axial direction to the radial direction. The radially resilient spring section exerts radial spring force to create friction- and/or force-fit attachment to the bearing ring, while the axial spring force is provided separately by the axially resilient spring section. This dimensional separation simplifies installation.
2Reliability
If additional mechanical attachment elements are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring itself provides its own attachment mechanism through the radially resilient spring section. The radial spring force automatically creates friction- and/or force-fit attachment when the wave spring is installed on the bearing ring, eliminating the need for separate mechanical attachment elements like clips, screws, or retainers.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is merged into the wave spring structure itself. The radially resilient spring section is integrated with the axially resilient spring section to form a single component that both attaches to the bearing ring and provides axial spring force, combining multiple functions into one element.
3Force
If the radially resilient spring section is manufactured from different material, then the spring force optimization is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different material properties are assigned to different sections of the wave spring based on their specific functional requirements. The radially resilient spring section can use materials optimized for radial elasticity and friction attachment, while the axially resilient spring section uses materials optimized for axial spring force. This local optimization of material properties allows each section to perform its function at maximum efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave spring can be constructed as a composite structure with different materials for the radial and axial spring sections. This may involve different steel alloys, or combinations of metal and polymer materials, allowing each section to be made from the material best suited for its specific mechanical requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
Facilitates simple and secure attachment of the wave spring to bearing assemblies, reducing installation complexity and ensuring effective axial suspension and cushioning without increasing the required installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the wave spring includes a further radially resilient spring section that is configured to exert a radial spring force
Implementation Method 2
via the radial spring section a friction- and/or force-fit between the wave spring and the machine element can be provided
Implementation Method 3
a first axially resilient spring section that has at least one one-layer wave-shaped spring layer that provides a spring force in the axial direction of the wave spring
Implementation Method 4
the radially resilient spring section can be comprised of an elastomer material... the radially resilient spring section provides the radial spring effect via an elastic deformation of the material
Data Source
AI summary
A wave spring having an axially resilient spring section including at least one one-layer wave-shaped spring configured to provide a spring force in an axial direction of the wave spring, and a radially resilient spring section configured to provide a spring force in a radial direction. The wave spring may be made from a continuous flat wire that forms both the axially resilient spring section and the radially resilient spring section, the flat wire being rotated 90° at a transition from the axial spring section to the radial spring section.