WO2013160100A2

WO2013160100A2 - Bearing power generating configuration

Info

Publication number: WO2013160100A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/057383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Bartl; Joseph ERSKINE; Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham; Sebastian Ziegler
Original assignee: Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority date: 2012-04-24
Filing date: 2013-04-09
Publication date: 2013-10-31
Also published as: WO2013160100A3

Abstract

A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprising a power generating subassembly (200) integrated into a bearing (110). The power generating subassembly (300, 400) utilizes the relative motion between an inner bearing ring (112) and an outer bearing ring (116) of the bearing (110) to generate electrical power. The power generating subassembly (300, 400) includes a generator drive member (310, 410) in operational engagement with an electrical generator (320, 420). The power generating subassembly (300, 400) is affixed to one of the bearing rings. A plurality of drive engaging members (130, 432, 434) is affixed to the opposite bearing ring in a spatial relationship at an equidistant radial location. The generator drive member (310, 410) is formed having a plurality of recessions (312, 412), which engage with drive engaging members (130, 432, 434). The relative motion between the rings (112, 116) engages the drive engaging members (130, 432, 434) and the generator drive member (310, 410) to rotate the electrical generator (320, 420) creating electrical current. The generator drive member (310, 410) can optionally be retained against the drive engaging members (130, 432, 434) by a biasing member (442).

Description

BEARING POWER GENERATING CONFIGURATION

Technical Field Of The Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating power during motion of a bearing.

Background

A bearing can be defined as any of various machine elements that constrain the relative motion between two or more parts to only the desired type of motion. This is typically to allow and promote free rotation about a longitudinal axis and/or restrain any linear movement of a component in a normal direction respective to the bearing. Bearings may be classified broadly according to the motions they allow and according to their principle of operation, as well as by the directions of applied loads they can handle. Bearings undergo significant use, which causes wear to the various bearing components. Over time, the wear on the bearing can result in mechanical failure.

Mechanical failure can impact the rotational motion and/or the axial linear restraint. Failure to control either of these movements can cause catastrophic failure to the machinery relying upon the bearing. Bearing reliability and predictive servicing can impact the operation and uptime of equipment. Bearings are used in many applications, including vehicles, wind turbines, automated machinery, and the like. Over time, the bearings wear. Bearing failure during operation can cause significant damage to the equipment and possibly the surrounding area. The bearing failure could even potentially cause injury or death to people should the right circumstances come occur.

Bearing monitoring systems require power for operation. Power is utilized for operating the condition monitoring sensors, providing power for any computing devices, and providing power for transferring any collected information to a centralized system. The power is provided through wiring to the devises. Bearing reliability and predictive servicing can be improved by monitoring the bearing. A monitoring system would require power. What is desired is a power generating system associated with the bearing assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and respective method for generating electrical energy during the operation of equipment comprising a bearing.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a power generating bearing assembly, the power generating bearing assembly comprising: a bearing comprising: an outer ring having an outer surface and a bearing engaging inner surface, an inner ring having a bearing engaging outer surface sized to rotationally engage with the outer ring bearing engaging inner surface, wherein the inner ring is rotatationally assembled within the outer ring bearing engaging inner surface; an electrical power generator comprising a centrally located axle for rotating an operational portion of the generator to generate electrical power the electrical generator being attached to one of the outer ring and the inner ring; a generator drive member in operational engagement with the centrally located axle to rotate the operational portion of the generator; and a plurality of engagement members integrated into the ring mating with the ring carrying the generator, the engagement member being located to operatively engaging with the generator drive member.

In a second aspect, the system further includes a processing device comprising a set of digital instructions for monitoring and analyzing digital data provided by a condition monitoring system integrated into the bearing assembly.

In another aspect, the electrical power generator can be fixed in a position.

In another aspect, the electrical power generator can be biased into position to accommodate tolerances. The biasing is preferably provided in a radially orientation. In another aspect, the biasing can be provided along an extension arm, wherein the generator drive member is carried by the extension arm at a distal end thereof. The extension arm is pivotally biased to retain the generator drive member in engagement with the engagement members. In another aspect, the generator drive member comprises a series of recessed contacting surfaces spatially arranged about a periphery thereof. The recessed contacting surfaces are designed to engage with a series of pins extending upward from the opposite bearing ring.

In another aspect, the generator drive member comprises a series of alternating teeth and grooves spatially arranged about a periphery thereof. The alternating teeth and grooves are designed to engage with a series of mating alternating teeth and grooves arranged about the opposite bearing ring. The mating alternating teeth and grooves are preferably arranged about a perimeter of the outer bearing ring and the generator is affixed to the inner bearing ring. One advantage of the present invention is the ability to generate a continued electrical current during motion of one of the rings of the bearing. The power can be utilized to operate bearing condition monitored equipment. The inclusion of an electrical power-generating device eliminates any need for a locally stored power (such as by a battery) or conveyed power from an external power source. By generating power at the location, the system can operate completely independent and un-tethered from any other device by providing sufficient power for wireless signal communications. While yet another advantage is that operation of the monitoring system can be limited to the time where the bearing is undergoing rotation. Power is only applied to the system when the generator is subjected to the relative motion between the outer bearing ring and the inner bearing ring.

Bearings can be utilized on equipment deployed in remote locations. The location could complicate any provisions for externally provided power for monitoring the condition of the bearing. The bearing(s) can be integrated into the equipment at a location that is difficult to access, particularly for wiring. Further, wires can accidentally interfere or become abraded by any rotational movements or other movements of components of the equipment. Another advantage enables the mechanical interface to adapt to changes and wear of the bearing. The mechanical interface includes features to accommodate for radial and axial changes between the generator drive member and the drive mechanisms.

The mechanical interference fit ensures against any slippage between the two engaging members.

The rotation speed of the motor can be governed by ratio between the diameter of the generator drive member and the diameter of the arrangement of the plurality of drive mechanisms.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 presents an exemplary schematic diagram of a bearing power generator and bearing condition monitoring system;

FIG. 2 presents a partially sectioned isometric view of the bearing power generator originally introduced in FIG. 1 detailing an exemplary double row tapered bearing configuration;

FIG. 3 presents an isometric top view of a first exemplary power generating bearing assembly;

FIG. 4 presents a top view of the first power generating bearing assembly originally introduced in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 presents a sectioned view of the first exemplary power generating bearing assembly originally introduced in FIG. 3, the section taken along section line 5—5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 presents an isometric top view of a second exemplary power generating bearing assembly;

FIG. 7 presents a top view of the second power generating bearing assembly originally introduced in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 presents a magnified top view detailing the power generating assembly integrated into the second power generating bearing assembly originally introduced in FIG. 6.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as

"exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary

embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A generic exemplary system schematic is presented in FIG. 1. The generic system includes a power generating bearing assembly 100 comprising a power generating subassembly 200 integrated into bearing 110. Details of one exemplary embodiment of the bearing 110 are presented in FIG. 2. The bearing 110 is fabricated having an inner bearing ring 112 assembled within a outer bearing ring 116, wherein the interface between the inner bearing ring 112 and the outer bearing ring 116 restrains the relative motion to a rotational motion about a central axis. The illustrated exemplary bearing 110 is referred to as a double row tapered bearing. The exemplary bearing 110 includes a first bearing race set 122 and a second bearing race set 124. The exemplary double row tapered bearing can be provided in any reasonable configuration, including a TDO configuration or a TDI configuration (as shown). The TDO configuration includes one double row outer ring (cup) and two inner rings with roller and cage assembly (cones). The TDI configuration includes one double row inner ring with two roller and cage assemblies and two outer rings. Although the illustrated exemplary bearing 110 is a double row tapered bearing, it is understood that the bearing 110 can be provided having any suitable number of bearing race sets arranged in any reasonable configuration. The bearings 122, 124 can be provided in spherical shapes, cylindrical shapes, barrel shapes, conical shapes, and the like. The relative rotational motion provided between the inner bearing ring 112 and the outer bearing ring 116 causes the power generating subassembly 200 to generate electrical energy in a form of an electrical current. The power generating subassembly 200 can include a sensor, a digital signal processor or any other device to embed a digital data signal within a current. The digital data signal is transmitted to a processing unit 150 via a wired signal interface 296 or preferably via a wireless signal interface 298. The wireless signal interface 298 includes circuitry and components respective to any selected wireless transmitting protocol. Power would be provided by the power generating subassembly 200 to operate the wireless signal interface 298.

The processing device 150 includes common digital data processing components, include a motherboard, at least one microprocessor, memory, a data recording device, digital instructions (such as software, firmware, and the like), input/output controllers, data communication devices, and the like. A user input device 154 and a user output device 152 are connected in signal communication to the processing device 150 through the input/output controllers. The digital data signal is received by the processing unit 150 and interpreted accordingly. The digital data signal would be provided when the power generating bearing assembly 100 is subjected to movement. The relative movement between the inner bearing ring 112 and the outer bearing ring 116 causes the power generating subassembly 200 to generate electrical power. Therefore, the electrical power is only available when the inner bearing ring 112 and outer bearing ring 116 are in relative motion to one another. It is understood that electrical power can be stored in a capacitor or battery integrated within the power generating subassembly 200. This would enable short cycles of additional power for continued operation after the inner bearing ring 112 and outer bearing ring 1 16 become stationary respective to one another. This would be beneficial for recording conditions of the bearing 110 after halting any operation, during cool down, and the like. The system can be recording conditions such as temperature, and the like. A first exemplary embodiment of the power generating subassembly 200 is presented as a power generating subassembly 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5. The illustrations present additional details of the bearing 110. Features of the inner bearing ring 112 can be referred to as: an inner bearing surface 114 defining an outer peripheral surface thereof; an inner bearing race engaging surface 115 defining an inner peripheral surface thereof; and an inner ring planar end surface 113 defining an end surface thereof. Features of the outer bearing ring 116 can be referred to as: a outer bearing surface 118 defining an outer peripheral surface thereof; a outer bearing race engaging surface 119 defining an inner peripheral surface thereof; and a outer ring planar end surface 117 defining an end surface thereof. At least one bearing race set 120 is assembled between the inner bearing ring 112 and outer bearing ring 116. A ball bearing race set is presented for exemplary purposes only. The actual design and number of bearing race sets 120 utilized can be any configuration known by those skilled in the art.

In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing 110 comprises a plurality of spatially arranged drive pins 130. The drive pins 130 are preferably equidistantly spaced about the outer ring planar end surface 117 of the outer bearing ring 116. Each drive pin 130 would be located equidistant from the central axis of the outer bearing ring 116. The drive pin 130 extends from the outer bearing ring 116, wherein the preferred arrangement orients a longitudinal axis each drive pin 130 to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bearing 110. Although the drive pin 130 is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, it is understood that the drive pin 130 can be formed having any suitable cross sectional shape. The drive pin 130 is preferably assembled extending from the outer ring planar end surface 117 by a drive pin height 132.

The power generating subassembly 300 includes a generator drive member 310 assembled to a rotational axle 330 of an electrical generator 320. The generator drive member 310 would be subjected to a rotational force causing the generator drive member 310 to revolve. The rotation of the generator drive member 310 is conveyed to the electrical generator 320 via the rotational axle 330. The rotation of the electrical generator 320 generates an electrical current output. It is understood that the electrical generator 320 can be provided in any rotating generator technology known by those skilled in the art. In an alternate embodiment, the generator drive member 310 can be provided on an independent axle, where the rotational motion of the generator drive member 310 is conveyed to the electrical generator 320 by any conveyance interface. The conveyance interface can include a series of gears, a belt and pulley configuration, and the like.

The generator drive member 310 is configured having a plurality of recessed contact surfaces 312 formed in a spatial arrangement about a periphery thereof. Each recessed contact surface 312 is preferably shaped having a concave surface for engaging with each drive pin 130. The generator drive member 310 is positioned to engage with the drive pin 130 at any location between the outer ring planar end surface 117 and the distal end of the drive pin 130. The drive pin height 132 ensures engagement with the recessed contact surface 312 by compensating for any vertical positioning to the generator drive member 310 along the entire length of the drive pin height 132. The dimensions and shape of the recessed contact surface 312 and positioning the generator drive member 310 can be configured to compensate for any radial tolerances between the generator drive member 310 and the plurality of drive pins 130, referred to as a contact surface tolerance 314. In operation, the inner bearing ring 112 rotates respective to the outer bearing ring

116. As the inner bearing ring 112 and outer bearing ring 116 rotate respective to one another, the generator drive member 310 and the plurality of drive pins 130 rotate respective to one another. The recessed contact surface 312 engages with a passing drive pin 130, causing the generator drive member 310 to rotate. Subsequently, the adjacent recessed contact surface 312 engages with the adjacent drive pin 130. The process continues rotating the generator drive member 310 at a predetermined rate. The rotation of the generator drive member 310 is conveyed to the electrical generator 320 by any reasonable means. In the exemplary embodiment, the generator drive member 310 is affixed to the rotational axle 330. The rotational axle 330 is affixed to operational components of the electrical generator 320. The rotation of the operational components of the electrical generator 320 generates electrical current. The electrical current can be utilized for any electrical feature employed by the power generating bearing assembly 100, including condition monitoring of the bearing / equipment, operational monitoring of the bearing / equipment, wireless communications of any digital data, and the like. The primary exemplary configuration assembles the generator drive member 310 to the inner bearing ring 112. A second exemplary embodiment assembles a generator drive member 311 to a fixed location external to the bearing. This configuration would be acceptable where the outer bearing ring 116 rotates respective to the member carrying the generator drive member 311. It is also understood that the plurality of drive pins 130 can be assembled to the inner bearing ring 112 and the generator drive member 310 could be assembled to the outer bearing ring 116. A second exemplary embodiment of the power generating subassembly 200 is presented as a power generating subassembly 400 illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8. The power generating subassembly 400 is adapted to the bearing 110, which was previously described herein.

In the second exemplary embodiment, the bearing 110 includes a toothed annular drive ring 430 comprising a plurality of alternating drive ring teeth 432 and drive ring grooves 434 formed in a continuous ring. The power generating subassembly 400 includes a generator drive member 410 biased against the toothed annular drive ring 430. The generator drive member 410 carried by a torsional retention arm 450, which is biased outward by a torsional retention member 442. The torsional retention member 442 can include a torsional spring or any other torque generating element. The torsional retention member 442 is supported by either the inner bearing ring 112 and/or a housing containing a system circuitry 440. The system circuitry 440 can include any monitoring circuitry and software; analysis circuitry and software; wired or wireless communication circuitry, hardware, and software, and the like. The generator drive member 410 is provided in operational engagement with an electrical generator 420. The electrical generator 420 can be mounted in any configuration. The exemplary embodiment assembles the generator drive member 410 and electrical generator 420 about the same rotational axle. In an alternate embodiment, the electrical generator 420 can be mounted distally from the generator drive member 410. The rotational motion of the generator drive member 410 can be conveyed to the electrical generator 420 by any known conveyance elements, including a series of gears, a belt and pulley configuration, and the like.

Operation of the power generating subassembly 400 is similar to the operation of the power generating subassembly 300. The generator drive member 410 comprises a plurality of alternating drive member teeth 412 and drive member grooves 414. Each drive member teeth 412 engages with the respective drive ring grooves 434, followed by engagement between the drive ring teeth 432 and the drive member grooves 414. The alternating engagement continues with the relative motion between the generator drive member 410 and the toothed annular drive ring 430. The motion of the generator drive member 410 drives operational rotation of the electrical generator 420. The operational rotation of the electrical generator 420 generates an electrical current. The electrical current can be utilized for any electrical feature employed by the power generating bearing assembly 100, including condition monitoring of the bearing / equipment, operational monitoring of the bearing / equipment, wireless communications of any digital data, and the like.

Although the illustrations present a sample of exemplary bearing 110

configurations, it is understood that the bearing 110 can be of any suitable configuration.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Ref. No. Description

100 power generating bearing 330 rotational axle

assembly 400 power generating subassembly

5 110 bearing 35 410 generator drive member

112 inner bearing ring 412 drive member teeth

113 inner ring planar end surface 414 drive member grooves

114 inner bearing surface 420 electrical generator

115 inner bearing race engaging 430 toothed annular drive ring

10 surface 40 432 drive ring tooth

116 outer bearing ring 434 drive ring grooves

117 outer ring planar end surface 440 system circuitry

118 outer bearing surface 442 torsional retention member

119 outer bearing race engaging 450 torsional retention arm

15 surface

120 bearing race set

122 first bearing race set

124 second bearing race set

130 drive pin

20 132 drive pin height

150 processing unit

152 output device

154 user input device

200 power generating subassembly

25 296 wired signal interface

298 wireless signal interface

300 power generating subassembly

310 generator drive member

311 generator drive member

30 312 recessed contact surface

314 contact surface tolerance

320 electrical generator

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A power generating bearing assembly, the power generating bearing assembly comprising: a bearing (110) comprising: an outer ring (116) having an outer surface (118) and a bearing engaging inner surface (119), an inner ring (112) having a bearing engaging outer surface (114) and a bearing engaging inner surface (115), wherein bearing engaging outer surface (114) is sized to rotationally engage with said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119), wherein said inner ring (112) is rotatationally assembled within said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119); an electrical power generator (320, 420) comprising a centrally located axle (330) for rotating an operational portion of said generator (320, 420) to generate electrical power, said electrical generator (320, 420) being attached to one of said outer ring (116) and said inner ring (112); a generator drive member (310, 410) in operational engagement with said centrally located axle (330) to rotate said operational portion of said generator (310, 410); and a plurality of engagement members (130, 432, 434) integrated into said ring mating with said ring carrying said generator (320, 420), said engagement member (130, 432, 434) being located to operatively engaging with said generator drive member (310, 410).

2. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said generator drive member (310) further comprising a plurality of recessed contact surfaces (312); and the plurality of engagement members (130) include a series of elongated members extending axially from a planar end surface (113, 117) of said respective bearing ring (112, 116).

3. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said generator drive member (410) further comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive member teeth (412) and drive member grooves (414); and wherein said plurality of engagement members (432, 434) are integrated into a toothed annular drive ring (430) comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive ring teeth (432) and drive ring grooves (434).

4. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a biasing member (442), said biasing member (442) applies a radially directed biasing force to said generator drive member (410) to retain said generator drive member (410) against said plurality of engagement members (432, 434).

5. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a wireless transmitter (298) for transmitting digital data.

6. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said bearing (110) further comprising at least one bearing race set (120) located between said inner bearing engaging outer surface (114) and said outer bearing engaging inner surface (119).

7. A power generating bearing assembly, said power generating bearing assembly comprising: a bearing (110) comprising: an outer ring (116) having an outer surface (118) and a bearing engaging inner surface (119), an inner ring (112) having a bearing engaging outer surface (114) and a bearing engaging inner surface (115), wherein bearing engaging outer surface (114) is sized to rotationally engage with said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119), wherein said inner ring (112) is rotatationally assembled within said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119); an electrical power generator (320, 420) comprising a centrally located axle (330) for rotating an operational portion of said generator (320, 420) to generate electrical power, said electrical generator (320, 420) being attached to one of said outer ring (116) and said inner ring (112); a generator drive member (310, 410) affixed to said centrally located axle (330) to rotate said operational portion of said generator (310, 410); and a plurality of engagement members (130, 432, 434) integrated into said ring mating with said ring carrying said generator (320, 420), said engagement member (130, 432, 434) being located to operatively engaging with said generator drive member (310, 410).

8. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 7, said generator drive member (310) further comprising a plurality of recessed contact surfaces (312); and the plurality of engagement members (130) include a series of elongated members extending axially from a planar end surface (113, 117) of said respective bearing ring (112, 116).

9. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 7, said generator drive member (410) further comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive member teeth (412) and drive member grooves (414); and wherein said plurality of engagement members (432, 434) are integrated into a toothed annular drive ring (430) comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive ring teeth (432) and drive ring grooves (434).

10. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a biasing member (442), said biasing member (442) applies a radially directed biasing force to said generator drive member (410) to retain said generator drive member (410) against said plurality of engagement members (432, 434).

11. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a wireless transmitter (298) for transmitting digital data.

12. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 7, said bearing (110) further comprising at least one bearing race set (120) located between said inner bearing engaging outer surface (114) and said outer bearing engaging inner surface (119).

13. A power generating bearing assembly, the power generating bearing assembly comprising: a bearing (110) comprising: an outer ring (116) having an outer surface (118) and a bearing engaging inner surface (119), an inner ring (112) having a bearing engaging outer surface (114) and a bearing engaging inner surface (115), wherein bearing engaging outer surface (114) is sized to rotationally engage with said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119), wherein said inner ring (112) is rotatationally assembled within said outer ring bearing engaging inner surface (119); an electrical power generator (320, 420) comprising a centrally located axle (330) for rotating an operational portion of said generator (320, 420) to generate electrical power, said electrical generator (320, 420) being attached to one of said outer ring (116) and said inner ring (112); a generator drive member (310, 410) in operational engagement with said centrally located axle (330) to rotate said operational portion of said generator (310, 410); and a plurality of engagement members (130, 432, 434) integrated into said ring mating with said ring carrying said generator (320, 420), said engagement member (130, 432, 434) being located to operatively engaging with said generator drive member (310, 410), wherein said engagement members (130, 432, 434) extend from a planar end surface of said respective bearing ring respective bearing ring (112, 116) to a height enabling tolerance compensation between said generator drive member (310, 410) and said engagement members (130, 432, 434) along a rotational axial direction of said bearing (110) ensuring engagement therebetween.

14. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said generator drive member (310) further comprising a plurality of recessed contact surfaces (312); and the plurality of engagement members (130) include a series of elongated members extending axially from a planar end surface (113, 117) of said respective bearing ring (112, 116).

15. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said generator drive member (410) further comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive member teeth (412) and drive member grooves (414); and wherein said plurality of engagement members (432, 434) are integrated into a toothed annular drive ring (430) comprising a plurality of alternating and continuously arranged drive ring teeth (432) and drive ring grooves (434).

16. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a biasing member (442), said biasing member (442) applies a radially directed biasing force to said generator drive member (410) to retain said generator drive member (410) against said plurality of engagement members (432, 434).

17. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a wireless transmitter (298) for transmitting digital data.

18. A power generating bearing assembly as recited in claim 1, said bearing (110) further comprising at least one bearing race set (120) located between said inner bearing engaging outer surface (114) and said outer bearing engaging inner surface (119).