Patent: Milton Wood Anti-Friction Roller Bearing (1888) Part 1

 The Milton Wood Bearing

Y51 Inner Bearing Member

Key Differences between Milton and Christiansen: 

(1)  The clasp (pink) for holding the spacer rollers against the larger rollers is not static relative to an inner or outer sleeve, but is instead in free rotation. One problem that may arise from this is vibration, due to how the clasp must come in separate parts to facilitate assembly of the rollers, such as with a removable plate on one side. It would definitely be advantageous to think of a more clever way of clasping the rollers in a more balanced way

Christiansen achieved such means with axially projecting rims, called concentor collars ('H' of FIG. A, Parts List & Diagram) Also, this means a much more compact system since the collar connects with the spacers extending past the main rollers. As the spacer rollers can hide between the normal rollers and their bearing races.

(2)  The (orange & green) rollers in this here case have purely radial contact surfaces, and therefore diminished axial load capacity. Here, upon axial thrust, the flat faces of the bearing rollers will begin to rub, generating heat.

Although they are both radial bearings, the Christiansen bearing has by far more axial load capacity, and also a method of absorbing impacts. This is due to the inclusion of semi-spherical knuckular flanges on the rollers and respective members (See: B & C of FIG. A, for example). These flanges provide rollers with purely rolling contact for axial load, considerably improving life and speed. Furthermore, two springs yield to impacts, and cause a light squeeze against oil soaked packing, instantly providing more protection and lubrication during excess axial load.

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