Cage Guiding Modes in Rolling Element Bearings: Functions, Mechanics, and Applications
Abstract The guiding function of a rolling element bearing cage—responsible for guiding and driving rolling elements along the correct raceway track—is a critical factor in bearing design, particularly serving as a decisive constraint in high-speed applications. This article analyzes the mechanics of cage guidance, delineates the primary and mixed guiding modes, evaluates their applicable operating conditions, and reviews standard guiding configurations across major bearing types. 1. Mechanics and Functions of Cage Guidance Within a bearing assembly, clearances exist between the cage, the rings, and the rolling elements. These clearances allow the cage to "free float" radially, axially, circumferentially, and angularly, making it the component with the fewest kinematic constraints and the highest degrees of freedom. While this free-floating characteristic has negligible effects at low operational speeds, it significantly destabilizes the kinematic smoothness and stabi...