Maruti Khaire

By Maruti Khaire

Modern Automobile powertrain’s technology is transforming to enable “connected, autonomous, shared and electric” (CASE). Modern automobiles are targeting to achieve the maximum vehicle uptime, utilization, and better total cost of ownership (TCO). Bearing is a vital component (sub-system) to achieve modern automobile’s performance targets. Bearings plays important role of performance enhancement of all the rotating parts in systems by carrying the load and facilitating transfer of torque. Bearings achieve its performance via correct selection of materials, manufacturing technologies, design optimized geometries, sealing, lubrication in addition to application specific features. In modern automobile passenger comfort is key consideration and role of bearing is critical to achieve lower system noise. This chapter focuses on building awareness of the bearing technical requirements for different aggregates and means to achieve the requirements for modern automobiles. Summary of 11,300 patent’s titles and customer voice analysis suggest the bearing development focus areas direction which are covered in this chapter. This chapter also introduces bearing technology research focus areas like reliability improvement, power-dense solutions, integrated functions, friction optimization, sealing/lubrication solutions, adoption of sensors, and also special application-specific eMotors bearings. Modern electronic technologies integrated with bearings are performing the critical role of powertrain health monitoring in the vehicle. However, bearings are having furthermore potential to contribute and enhance the performance of modern automobiles in near future.

Part of the book: Advanced Applications of Hydrogen and Engineering Systems in the Automotive Industry