Development of Revolutionary Ball Bearing Design Helping to Reduce Rotational Torque by 80% in Automotive Transmission System
NTN has announced the development of “Self-formed Seal Torque Deep Groove Ball Bearing “ for automotive transmission, capable of reducing rotational torque by up to 80% through self-forming minute gaps, helping to reduce fuel consumption while reducing CO2 emissions. The new ball bearing features a newly developed seal that self-forms minute gaps between the inner ring and seal. The end of the seal which comes in contact with the inner ring is of non-contact type seal which cannot be manufactured using machining or molding processes, as these seals form minute gaps at the initial stages of bearing operation.
Furthermore, the rubber composition of the seal has been improved and the contact type between end of the seal and the inner ring has been changed from the conventional axial contact structure to the radial contact structure, ensuring formation of more reliable minute gaps during the initial stages of bearing operation. The new design will prevent the penetration of foreign objects into bearing which would otherwise reduce its operation life, while reducing rotational torque by up to 80% and supplying ample of amount of lubrication throughout the bearing with up to five times the lubrication flow in comparison to currently available contact type bearing. NTN will display the new technology at “Automotive Exposition 2012” to be held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 23 to May 25.
