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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seeks companies interested in commercializing a bearing technology based on novel three-dimensional roller elements.

• Multidirectional load capability: A single row bearing can carry any combination of radial and axial loads.
  
  
• Low parts count, lightweight, compact: This technology can replace a double row bearing or two or more conventional roller bearings.
  
  
• Strong: It can carry larger loads than equivalent-sized ball bearings.
  
  
• Improved safety: The bearing is capable of absorbing more unexpected or off-axis loads than conventional bearings.
  
  
• Minimal retainer requirements: The geometry inherently holds the rolling elements
  
  
• Stable:The technology eliminates rocking or twisting of the supported mechanism.
  
  
• Adaptive: The technology offers a broad range of possible roller geometries to absorb any load efficiently.

The three-dimensional roller element bearing could improve the performance of any linear or circular bearing assembly where loads in multiple directions are possible. Potential applications include the following:

• Power tools: Rotary, reciprocating, and impact tools.
  
  
• Vehicles: Automobile, truck, marine, motorcycle, bicycle, and off-highway equipment.
  
  
• Office machines: Copiers, printers, and fax machines.
  
  
• Major and household appliances: Dishwashers, washers, dryers, and microwave ovens.
  
  
• Manufacturing and industrial devices: Automation systems and material handling equipment.
  
  
• Aerospace mechanisms: Airframe, powerplant, and spacecraft mechanical systems.
  
  
• General mechanical systems: Mechanical operator interfaces, linkages, couplings, and cam followers.

Developed by Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), this bearing technology combines the benefits of single row bearings—lightweight, low parts count, small size, and high load carrying—with the ability of tandem or double-row bearings to carry any combination of radial and axial loads.

The selection of conventional rolling element bearings is based on factors such as load, space, life, and cost. Bearings such as tapered roller and angular contact ball enable load carrying in one axial and all radial directions. A pair of such bearings can be used to carry loads in both axial and all radial directions. A double-row bearing can carry the same load with fewer parts while occupying less space.

NASA developed the three-dimensional roller element bearing to further reduce bearing size and parts count while enhancing load carrying, cost, and life factors. This bearing technology is based on novel rolling elements, each of which has four or more points of contact with the races. The geometry enables NASA's single-row bearing to carry loads in both axial and all radial directions. This design requires fewer parts and occupies less axial and radial space than a double-row bearing. Load capacity is increased over the equivalent-sized ball bearing due to the relatively large contact radii of the three-dimensional rolling elements. The optional retainer system for NASA's bearing is simple due to the inherent caging capability of the race geometry. Filling slot requirements are similar to those of conventional bearings.

U.S. Patent 5,836,701 "Mechanical Spin Bearings" has been issued for this technology, and a prototype has been built. (Link opens new browser window.)

For information and forms related to the technology licensing and partnering process, please visit the Licensing and Partnering page. (Link opens new browser window.)

If you are interested in more information or want to pursue transfer of this technology, please contact:

Innovative Partnerships Program Office
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
E-mail: techtransfer@gsfc.nasa.gov