Structural design and analysis for a sensor-integrated ball bearing

• Published in: Finite elements in analysis and design Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 257 - 270
• Main Authors: Holm-Hansen, Brian T., Gao, Robert X.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.02.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ball bearing; Computer aided design; Computer science; control theory; systems; Electro-mechanical modeling; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element analysis; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Integrated sensing; Physics; Self-diagnosis; Software; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Structural design; Theory and numerical methods; Structural design; Ball bearing; Finite element analysis; Integrated sensing; Self-diagnosis; Electro-mechanical modeling; Electromechanics; Microsensor; Industrial application; Measurement sensor; Structure integrity; Numerical method; Modeling; Rolling bearing; Rolling bearing ring; Finite element method; Loadbearing capacity; Computer aided design; Structural analysis; Dynamic load
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-874X(99)00042-6
• ISSN: 0168-874X

The structural design issues associated with the development of a sensor-integrated ball bearing were investigated. A finite element model was established to analyze the structural integrity of a ball bearing whose outer ring was modified to accommodate a miniaturized load sensor module. The sensor module was designed to monitor dynamic load variations within the bearing, which is an important indicator of a bearings safe operation. This structural integration of “intelligence” is significant in that it bring's automated, on-line, self-diagnosis capability to a dynamic system for which reliable, safe operation is of critical importance. A design tool was developed to evaluate the effect of outer ring modification on the dynamic load-carrying capability of the bearing. The tool also provided quantitative guidelines for the design of load and other types of sensor modules that will be structurally embedded into the outer ring of a conventional bearing for industrial applications.