The Challenge
Conventional rolling bearings are designed for narrow operating temperature windows.
In environments with strong temperature variations or cryogenic conditions, this leads to:
Bearing seizure at low temperatures
Excessive clearance, noise, and wear at high temperatures
Both effects significantly reduce bearing lifetime and system reliability.
The Patented Solution
A rolling bearing with passive, thermally self-compensating clearance, achieved through:
A ZrO₂ ceramic inner ring
A metallic or ceramic outer ring
Deliberately different thermal expansion coefficients
This design maintains an essentially constant bearing clearance over an operating range from 10 mK to 600 K, without active control systems or additional components.
Key Technical Advantages
Constant radial and/or axial clearance across temperature changes
Improved lifetime and stable friction behavior
Functionality demonstrated in cryogenic environments
Passive solution without active adjustment mechanisms
Application Scope (as disclosed)
Cryogenic technical installations
Machines and apparatus exposed to strong temperature gradients
Research, test, and special-purpose equipment
Value for License Partners
Robust engineering solution where standard bearings fail
Integration into existing bearing designs and systems
Clear differentiation through patented material pairing
Competitive advantage in high-reliability niche markets
Licensing Options
Component licensing
Application-specific exclusivity
Co-development for defined temperature environments
Target License Partners
Rolling bearing manufacturers
Companies developing or supplying special-purpose or high-performance rolling bearings for non-standard operating conditions.Manufacturers of cryogenic equipment and systems
OEMs designing machines, installations, or apparatus for cryogenic environments, as explicitly stated in the patent.Mechanical engineering companies
Firms producing machines or technical installations exposed to strong temperature variations.Suppliers of research and testing equipment
Organizations building experimental, laboratory, or test apparatus operating across extreme temperature ranges.
Options for Joint Development & Cooperation
Application-specific bearing development
Joint adaptation of the patented bearing concept to defined machines, installations, or apparatus operating in temperature-changing environments.Material pairing optimization within patent scope
Collaborative selection and qualification of inner- and outer-ring material combinations (as disclosed) for specific temperature ranges.System-level integration projects
Co-development of bearing solutions integrated into complete machines or technical systems, without modifying the patented core principle.Validation and qualification cooperation
Joint testing of rolling bearings under application-relevant temperature cycles to demonstrate constant bearing clearance and improved service life.Field- or application-limited licensing
Licensing agreements restricted to specific technical fields, machines, or temperature environments, as permitted by the patent claims.
