Cages for Heavy Bearings: A Patent Study

In contextual evolution of the global economy and new technologies, quality, competitiveness, and cost engage companies to focus on continuous improvement and innovation. This approach is highly visible in the bearing industry, due to the emergence and improvement of existing and new types of bearings.The authors of the paper are engaged in a long-term research, which aims to improve the performance of heavy bearings, including identification of new constructive solution. The study is focused on the characteristics and constructive structure of the bearings cages in discussion.In this context, it is logical that the research focuses upon known bearings cages that are currently used [1], as well as unknown or unapplied constructive solutions which are the subject of patents.The critical analysis of various constructive cage solutions for bearings, intended or not for heavy bearings, is a valuable source of inspiration and information towards identification of constructive elements and characteristics useful to develop new technical solutions, by applying integrations, combinations, innovations and development processes [2].In the presented paper several patents are analyzed critically [3, 4, 5], in terms of constructive solutions, manufacturing complexity and presumptive operational energy consumption.