Methods for preloading a bearing
OwnerJohn E. Rodeinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring procedures and devices whereby a mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. The methods and apparatus allow the mechanic to apply and/or verify a preload on the bearing, for example, to apply and/or verify a preferred “3 thousandths” preload, as is desired in the industry. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored.
Claims26
A method for providing a load on a bearing having an inner race mounted to a shaft and the bearing retained on the shaft by a nut, the method comprising:
- mounting a rod to an end of the shaft;
- without removing the nut, mounting a means for compressing the inner race of the bearing to the shaft;
- actuating the means for compressing the inner race to compress the inner race to provide the load to the bearing;
- and
- wherein the means for compressing the inner race comprises an adapter having a plate and a plurality of extensions adapted to contact the inner race, the plurality of extensions mounted to the plate, and wherein mounting the means for compressing comprises mounting the adapter about the rod and the plurality of extensions contacting the inner race.
A method for providing a load on a bearing having an inner race mounted to a shaft and the hearing retained on the shaft by a nut, the method comprising:
- mounting a collar to the shaft:
- mounting a threaded rod to the collar;
- without removing the nut, mounting an adapter, a fluid-containing housing over the adapter, and a nut over the rod,
- wherein the adapter comprises a plate and a plurality of extensions adapted to contact the inner race;
- wherein the fluid-containing housing is positioned to transmit a compressive load from the nut to the adapter;
- and
- wherein the nut is positioned to transmit a load to the fluid-containing housing;
- and
- rotating the nut about the threaded rod to transmit a load to the inner race by means of the fluid-containing housing and the adapter.
A method for providing a load on a bearing having an inner race mounted to a shaft and the bearing retained on the shaft by a nut, the method comprising:
- mounting a collar to the the collar connected to a compressing mechanism;
- without emoving the nut, engaging a plurality of extensions of a compressing mechanism with the inner race of the bearing, wherein the plurality of extensions comprises a projection extending toward the inner race relative to a remainder of each extension to the shaft;
- and
- actuating the compressing mechanism to compress the inner race to provide the load to the bearing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.