Different Types of Groove Bearings
December 17, 2018There’s a bearing family that’s equipped with different types of groove geometry. They look a little like overly complex pulleys, with their grooves curving inwards around their rims. Well-suited as thread or wire guiding wheels, groove bearings suit a number of target applications. For instance, on hoist equipment, G-grooves accommodate wire ropes. Like other bearing families, though, this group of roll-facilitating devices can be split into different types.
The Three Different Groove Bearing Types
Groove geometry alter just enough to split the mechanism into three distinctly different device groups. Narrow at its base and extending upwards angularly, the two walls of the groove form a V-shaped rim. Coming as no surprise, this subcategory earns its label; it’s a V-shaped groove bearing. Then there are U-shaped variants and the G-Groove series. Again, the geometry of the groove changes to reflect the assigned letter. That means, for the U-type bearing rim, the inset edge is wide while the groove walls are shorter, stubbier.
Exploring Groove Bearing Applications
With the rounder G-Groove rim profile, the concave bearing edge easily holds a wire rope or chain. The recessed rim is commonly designed as an entirely smooth circumferential asset, but there are other fabrication options available, including notches and differently pitched teeth. For those designs, the groove delivers more wire-gripping traction. Meanwhile, back with the U-Groove series, the wider rim inset quickly accepts a flattened belt drive, so it functions easily as part of a power transmission system. If timing functionality is required, picture the U-shaped rim with evenly spaced teeth. Finally, for V-Groove variants, this rim type could function as a door supporting mechanism. A group of these bearings, suspended from a square opening or rolling along ground rails, would rapidly move a heavy hangar door. Downsizing the principle slightly, the system also works on patio doors and clothing closets.
Smoothing the Geometry
So far, the three groove shapes have been assuming sharply cut outlines. The V shaping is sharply outlined, as is the U-shape and G-Groove. But depending on the application, the bearing rims can be manufactured with coarser outlines. The U-Groove series illustrates this approach very well. Picture the inset edges and vertically rising walls merging together until the rim looks almost like an encircling concave edge. Now, with all such considerations logically assessed, let’s round up the loose threads.
For those loose threads, imagine the dimensional specs of the three series of groove bearings. The inset, the bottom edge of the rims, can vary in length. For the U-shaped variants, the height of the groove wall is also gauged. There’s also the angular component to list on a groove bearing’s datasheet. The angle of the V-shaped walls, for example, must be listed in degrees, as must any additional rounding effect.
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