NTN Corporation (hereinafter referred to as NTN) has developed a new torque calculation algorithm that improves the accuracy of torque calculations for ball bearings under oil-lubricated, high-speed rotation conditions by up to 50% compared to previous methods. We will apply this technology to further develop low-torque products while also enhancing the accuracy of theoretical calculations during the design phase.

 

Bearing torque is a critical performance indicator in application scenarios. Typically, customers use proprietary calculation programs provided by bearing manufacturers to determine bearing torque. In recent years, as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) advance energy conservation and emission reduction, bearings for vehicle motors and reducers increasingly demand lower torque. This creates an urgent need for an algorithm capable of accurately calculating torque even under high-speed conditions.

 

The newly developed torque algorithm focuses on the raceway surface traversed by the bearing balls, separating calculations for both the contact area and non-contact area between the balls and the raceway. Whereas previous methods focused solely on contact areas, this new approach simultaneously calculates non-contact areas, enabling more refined calculations and successfully identifying factors contributing to torque increase. This method achieves up to a 50% improvement in torque calculation accuracy under high-speed conditions. We have established calculation formulas tailored to various application scenarios and completed their integration into our internal calculation programs.

This method identifies the factors influencing torque, effectively explains the rationale behind previous low-torque bearing designs, and enables rapid determination of which low-torque internal designs are effective under specific operating conditions. Moving forward, we will leverage this methodology to further develop low-torque technologies encompassing all bearing components, including lubricants and cages.

 

Additionally, this method enhances torque calculation accuracy under high-speed conditions and reduces internal workload, thereby accelerating NTN's technical responsiveness for bearings in new energy vehicles.

 

Moving forward, NTN will continue addressing torque reduction and energy-saving demands across various sectors—including electric and hybrid vehicles—through diverse research and technological development. Concurrently, we are committed to leveraging digital technologies such as Model-Based Development (MBD) to elevate R&D capabilities and expedite development cycles.