Bearings in everyday life

1. What exactly are bearings?

A bearing is a "part that helps an object rotate". As the name suggests, a bearing is a part that supports a "shaft" that rotates in a machine.

Machines that use bearings include automobiles, airplanes, generators, and more. Household appliances such as refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners that are commonly used in our lives also use bearings.

In these machines, bearings are responsible for supporting the "shaft" on which parts such as wheels, gears, turbines, rotors, etc. are mounted, helping the shaft to rotate smoothly.

Since many rotating "shafts" are used in various machines, bearings have become indispensable parts and are called "food for the machinery industry". This part looks inconspicuous, but it is actually very important. We cannot live normally without it.

2. Why is it important? The role of bearings

In order to make the machine run smoothly, what role does the bearing play?

It serves two purposes. Function 1: Reduce friction and make rotation smoother. There is bound to be friction between the rotating "shaft" and the part that supports the rotation. Bearings are used between the rotating "shaft" and the rotating support part.

Bearings reduce friction, allowing for smoother rotation and less energy consumption. This is what bearings do. Function 2: Protect the rotating support part and keep the "axis" of rotation in the correct position. Significant forces are experienced between the rotating "shaft" and the part supporting the rotation. Bearings prevent the rotating support part from being damaged by this force, keeping the "shaft" of rotation in the correct position. It is precisely because of these functions of the bearing that we can use the machine repeatedly for a long time.

3. How much is the bearing used? What would happen if there were no bearings?

How many bearings support our lives? Since the bearing is not directly seen by the eyes, it is difficult for everyone to imagine, right? Here, let's take the common cars around us as an example to introduce.

Did you ever play with a battery-powered racing toy when you were young? Many people must remember that there are bearings on the supporting part of the wheel.

So how many bearings does a real car need?

① Power device (component)

Case: alternator, turbocharger, etc.

②Steering device (component)

Case: steering gear, pump, etc.

③Power transmission device (parts)

Case: transmission, differential gear, etc.

④Traveling device (parts)

Case: wheels, suspensions, etc.

The correct answer is, about 100!

The number of bearings used in high-end cars can reach about 150.

These bearings all play an important role. If there were no bearings in a car, the components would not be able to rotate smoothly and consume more energy. The parts that support the rotation can quickly fail, preventing the car from running safely and comfortably. Therefore, behind our beautiful life, there are countless bearings working silently. Summary Bearing parts are working for our life. Since bearings are important parts that support our lives, high demands are placed on their durability and precision regardless of the era. Moreover, with the continuous development of mechanical technology, more special new bearings that can adapt to harsh environments will also be continuously developed and applied.

In the future, bearings will continue to develop and progress, and continue to operate for our lives!