Intermediate ring decreases the rolling speed of a ball bearing relative to the rotational speed of the shaft. It has raceways on its inner and outer peripheries and an additional row of balls. The modification permits operation at much higher shaft speeds than usual

Jesman, S.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

FIGURE 2 
Additional Row of Balls 
FIGURE I
aft 
June 1967	 Brief 67-10212 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Design Concept to Decrease Relative Speed of Ball Bearings 
The problem: 
To decrease the rolling speed of a ball bearing 
relative to the rotational speed of the shaft. Among 
other factors, the maximum operating speed of a ball 
bearing depends on its size and the rolling speed of the 
balls within the raceways. The heat generated by fast 
rolling balls may damage the bearing. 
The solution: 
An intermediate ring with raceways on its inner and 
outer peripheries and an additional row of balls would 
cut the relative rolling speed of the inner and outer 
balls to approximately half that of the balls in the 
unmodified bearing. A ball bearing of this design 
would therefore operate at much higher shaft speeds 
than ball bearings of standard design. 
Figure 1 indicates a possible arrangement for a 
bearing subjected to predominantly radial loads.
Figure 2 shows an arrangement for light radial loads. 
The latter design would provide for radial preloading, 
absorption of thermal expansion by the intermediate 
ring, and automatic circulation of lubricating oil. 
Note: 
This invention is only in the conceptual stage; 
neither a model nor a prototype has been constructed 
as of the date of this Tech Brief. 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, ftC. 20546.
Source: Stefan Jesman
of North American Aviation, Inc. 
under contract to 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M- FS-2003) 
Cntannru flS 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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Design concept to decrease relative speed of ball bearings

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