Ball Bearings Improve Fuel Efficiency
In recent years, demand for hybrid vehicles has been rising rapidly due to their low fuel consumption and low emissions, realised through a more efficient integration of the engine and electric motor.
NSK has met this need with its low-torque Ball Bearing, which reduce frictional loss.
The new product will be featured in Toyota’s latest Prius model.
NSK has claimed to have found a way to cut torque by 50-65 per cent compared to existing bearings.
The number of balls has been reduced, and ball diameters, race dimensions and clearances have been optimised utilising analysis technology, which has allowed rolling friction losses to be minimised.
NSK’s new manufacturing processes overcame conventional hurdles to decrease the number of balls.
Losses have been reduced by agitating lubrication oils during operation via the introduction of specially shaped cages made of resin.
NSK has achieved compactness, lightness and low torque for automobiles via its four core technologies: tribology, materials, analysis and mechatronics.
