Patent ID: 11933364
Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 15:
16. A method of forming a sensorized rolling element for a bearing including inner and outer races, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a rolling element of a bearing, the rolling element having a solid, one-piece body with a central axis of rotation, a piezoelectric device and a wireless transmitter;
forming a cavity in the solid body of the rolling element, the cavity being defined by an interior surface and centered around the central axis of rotation;
disposing the piezoelectric device within the cavity of the rolling element such that deflection of the rolling element deflects the piezoelectric device; and
installing the wireless transmitter directly within the cavity of the rolling element body or within an interior chamber of the piezoelectric device;
wherein:
the step of providing a piezoelectric device includes providing a piezoelectric elongated body having two opposing axial ends; and
the step of disposing the piezoelectric device within the cavity of the rolling element includes attaching each axial end of the piezoelectric bar to a separate one of two points on the inner surface of the cavity of the rolling element body.