The term "needle bearing" is commonly used in the mechanical engineering field to refer to a type of bearing that uses cylindrical rollers rather than balls to reduce friction. The correct spelling of this word is /ˈniːdəl ˈbɛərɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable of both words. The word "needle" is spelled with a double "e" after the first consonant, and the final "e" is silent. The word "bearing" is spelled as it sounds, with the "ea" pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the "-ing" suffix pronounced with a soft "g."
A needle bearing, also known as a needle roller bearing, is a type of roller bearing specifically designed to accommodate high radial loads with a small cross-sectional area. It is a precision-engineered cylindrical roller bearing, wherein the cylindrical rollers are extremely thin and long in relation to their diameter.
The term "needle" in needle bearing refers to the needle-like shape of these rollers. This design allows for a higher load-carrying capacity compared to other types of bearings, such as ball bearings or plain bearings, as the needle rollers have a larger surface area in contact with the raceway.
Needle bearings are commonly used in applications that require compact and lightweight designs, particularly in machinery and automotive systems. They are often found in gearboxes, transmissions, engines, and axles to withstand various dynamic and static loads.
One of the key advantages of needle bearings is their ability to provide high precision and accuracy in rotational motion. The small size of the needle rollers reduces friction and enables smooth operation. Additionally, needle bearings offer excellent shock absorption and vibration resistance due to their elastic properties.
Overall, needle bearings are versatile and reliable components widely used in various industries. Their unique design characteristics make them suitable for heavy-duty applications where space is limited, delivering long-lasting performance under challenging conditions.
The word "needle bearing" is composed of two parts: "needle" and "bearing".
"Needle" is derived from the Old English word "nǣdl", which is traced back to the Old English "nǣdla", meaning a pointed instrument used for sewing or surgery. This term has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
"Bearing" comes from the Old English word "beran", meaning to carry or bring. It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "beren" and the Old High German word "beran", both with the same meaning.
Therefore, the term "needle bearing" refers to a bearing mechanism that utilizes needle-like components to reduce friction and facilitate linear or rotational movement.