Patent ID: 7275319
Filing Date: 2007-10-02
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Method for operating a rolling element bearing under starved lubrication conditions, said rolling element bearing comprising an inner ring and an outer ring which are each provided with a raceway, and a series of rolling elements which are in contact with the raceways of each ring, the surface of each rolling element having minute recesses, said method comprising the steps of: subjecting a rolling element to starved lubrication conditions; providing a lubricant film in the contacts between the rolling elements and the raceways; filling the recesses with a lubricant quantity; forming a lubricant meniscus at the inlet side of said contacts; making the lubricant meniscus form a non-zero pressure gradient with respect to the surface of the raceway; flattening said recesses in the contacts by making said rolling elements and rings overroll each other; releasing lubricant at the inlet side of said contacts as a result of said overrolling; displacing the meniscus further away from said contacts as a result of releasing the lubricant; and obtaining an increased lubricant film thickness in said contacts as a result of said meniscus displacement.