An automotive electric motor is the electric motor that drives the vehicle's powertrain. It is designed for high speeds, instant torque, and efficient heat management in compact designs. The rolling bearings in these motors are critical for supporting rotor shafts and gear stages under conditions such as high speed, combined loads, and elevated temperatures.
Typical application requirements
A-Bearing:
- Fixed bearing: Press fit inner and outer ring
- Ball bearing
- Grease or oil lubricated
B-Bearing:
- Loose bearing: Press fit inner ring, slight clearance fit outer ring
- Ball bearing
- Grease or oil lubricated
- Shaft grounding function
- Wavy spring washer
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Operating conditions:
- High speed (>10,000 rpm)
- Preload force (200 ~ 500 N)
- Imbalance
- Vibrations
- Wide temperature range
- Rotor weight
Bearing requirements:
- Operating hours: >8,000 h
- High efficiency (low friction)
Our development services:
The development of roller bearings for electric machines requires the highest level of engineering expertise. We rely on state-of-the-art simulations, innovative materials, and intelligent optimization processes to create solutions that meet the extreme demands of electric drives.
Our typical development workflow for this application area:
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Analysis of current status
- System mechanics analyses
- Simulative system evaluation (digital twin)
- Identification of possible failure mechanisms
Service life assessment and optimization
- Selection of critical parameters: Osculation, number and size of rolling elements, bearing clearance
- Simulative system assessment
- Variation of design parameters
- Assessment of creeping analysis (relative movement)
Improving efficiency
- Different calculation approaches
- Various lubrication concepts
Prototype and series production
- Drawings and 3D data
- Manufacturing partners
- Delivery of samples and approval documentation, e.g., EMPB/PPAP