news

What are intelligent bearings?

Bearings are often called the "joints of machines." Before defining intelligent bearings, let's first explain what "intelligent machines" are. There are many interpretations of intelligent machines, most of which are futuristic. One definition is: "A machine that uses sensors to monitor its environment and adjust its operation to complete specific tasks in uncertain and volatile environments." An intelligent machine is a self-sustaining mechanical system, but this doesn't mean it requires no maintenance (a futuristic dream). Rather, it uses its built-in intelligent programs to detect potential problems and simplify maintenance intervals and procedures.

 

Similarly, there are various definitions of intelligent bearings. A research team defines them as: integrating different types of sensors and control devices into a traditional bearing, forming a unique bearing structural unit. This unit utilizes information processing and automatic control technologies to achieve real-time online monitoring of bearing operating status, fault detection, and real-time status control.

 

What are the advantages of intelligent bearings?

 

1. Self-sensing: Based on micro-sensor technology, intelligent bearings integrate multi-source service information acquisition devices, including speed, vibration, temperature, load, and lubrication status. The high degree of sensor integration allows for monitoring and identification of service information from the outer ring, inner ring, cage, and even rolling elements, providing high information coverage. Because the sensors are directly integrated into the bearing body, the signal-to-noise ratio is high, enabling more sensitive and earlier detection of equipment and bearing anomalies.

 

2. Self-decision-making: Based on massive amounts of bearing service data, combined with big data and deep learning technologies, intelligent bearings extract service information characteristics under bearing health conditions, identify current operating status and historical data trends, assess the bearing's service health status, and provide early warnings for potential abnormal operating conditions.

 

3. Self-regulation: Building upon bearing service condition monitoring and assessment diagnosis, and combined with research on the service condition mechanisms of rolling bearings, intelligent bearings regulate their service condition by adjusting lubrication dosage, cooling parameters, preload status, and operating conditions (such as speed and cutting amount), thereby improving the safety, reliability, and predictability of maintenance for critical equipment.

 

Since the 1980s, brands have been researching intelligent bearings (also known as sensor bearings), primarily for use in automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS). These bearings monitor and analyze data such as bearing speed, temperature, vibration, and load to generate feedback. Internationally renowned bearing companies have been continuously advancing their research in intelligent bearings.

 

Human ingenuity is limitless. The emergence of intelligent bearings signifies a significant leap forward in industrial technology, making the era of high-tech intelligence a reality. my country is also actively engaged in research, with university professors and students constantly exploring new avenues. For bearings, the focus is primarily on signal acquisition, monitoring, and analysis for embedded intelligent bearings. It is believed that through continuous experimentation and innovation, and with constant preparation, when technological breakthroughs occur and application demands increase, we will truly be at the forefront of the industry.