Windrower Bearing Unit With Dual Shaft Locking Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing units for windrowers with mechanical rakes coupled to tractors face challenges in versatility and mounting efficiency due to the need for multiple stock codes and increased risk of errors, as they often require specific positioning that does not align with existing through-holes for elastic pins or grub screws, limiting their adaptability to different machine layouts.
Innovation Solution
A bearing unit design incorporating both an elastic element through-hole and a pair of threaded holes for grub screws, allowing for flexible locking systems that can be used independently or together, enabling optimal positioning and increased axial hold, and accommodating different machine layouts with a single catalogue product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bearing units are designed with specific positioning for elastic pins or grub screws, then mounting precision is improved, but adaptability to different machine layouts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is designed with a dual locking system that incorporates both an elastic pin through-hole and a pair of threaded holes for grub screws. This multi-functional design allows the same bearing unit to be mounted using either locking method, enabling adaptation to different machine layouts while maintaining precise mounting capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stock codes are used for different bearing unit configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and stock management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple locking system configurations into a single bearing unit design. By integrating both elastic pin through-hole and threaded holes for grub screws into one unified structure, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate bearing unit variants, thereby reducing stock codes and simplifying inventory management while maintaining configuration diversity.
3Ease of manufacture
If elastic pin through-hole positioning is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to misalignment with existing through-holes
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit incorporates a dynamic selection capability where the user can choose between two locking methods (elastic pin or grub screws) depending on the specific application requirements. This dynamic flexibility allows the same bearing unit to adapt to different mounting scenarios, including cases where existing through-hole positions may not align with a fixed elastic pin hole.
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 dual locking system enhances versatility, improves axial hold, and simplifies stock management by allowing a single bearing unit to be used across various applications, reducing errors and production complexity while maintaining balance and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (pin, gudgeon or the like) is inserted under pressure to rigidly connect the two components
Implementation Method 2
a pair of clamping elements to lock the radially inner ring on the shaft (for example a pair of socket-head screws or grub screws that are inserted into dedicated threaded through-holes formed in an axially end portion of the radially inner ring to stably lock the radially inner ring to the shaft)
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing unit comprising a stationary radially outer ring with a spherical radially outer surface with a convex shape; a radially inner ring that is rotary about a central rotation axis of the bearing unit and is mounted on a rotating or oscillating shaft in which a diametrical through-hole formed in a first cylindrical portion is used to receive an elastic element for locking the radially inner ring on the shaft; a plurality of rolling bodies interposed between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring to enable the relative rotation of the two rings; and at least one element for locking the radially inner ring on the shaft in which a pair of threaded through-holes formed in either the first cylindrical portion or the second cylindrical portion of the radially inner ring is used to receive respective grub screws for locking the radially inner ring on the shaft.