Among the rich and diverse inventions and creations of humanity, bearings can definitely be considered a low-key yet super powerful existence, and can even be called "one of the greatest inventions". You may think it's nothing special, just a small part, but the impact it brings is beyond imagination.
What exactly is a bearing? Simply put, it can turn that laborious sliding friction into effortless rolling friction. Imagine how much effort would be wasted if our wheels and axles were directly ground hard without bearings, and the car would definitely be very difficult to run. With bearings, the wheels are like "little wings" attached, turning easily and smoothly, and the speed and performance of the car instantly increase. This small change has brought about a huge difference.
Looking at the application range of bearings again, they are simply ubiquitous. In the factory, those lathes and milling machines rely on bearings to help them process parts accurately and quickly. If the bearing is not awesome, the quality of the products produced cannot be guaranteed. The automotive industry cannot do without bearings, engines, transmissions, and wheels. Which key component can be missing it? If the bearings of a car are not good, not only will it not drive smoothly, but there may also be safety hazards. In the high-end aerospace industry, the role of bearings is of paramount importance. The engine, landing gear, and navigation system of an aircraft all require particularly advanced and durable bearings, as this is related to flight safety. Thanks to bearings, household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners can operate quietly and steadily at home. In addition, in the energy industry, wind turbines are so large that if they keep rotating, the bearings have to bear a huge weight. If the bearings fail, the power generation will be affected.
Looking back at history, in fact, the history of bearings is quite long. In ancient Egypt, people used logs as "tracks" to transport heavy objects, which was the application of the early bearing principle. Since then, bearings have been constantly evolving. At first, it may have been made of simple wood, but now it has become a precision component that integrates various high-tech elements. Manufacturing high-end bearings is not an easy task. To solve a multitude of complex problems such as materials, lubrication, and processing techniques, knowledge from several disciplines is required. So, the level of bearing manufacturing in a country can also reflect its industrial strength to a certain extent.
Overall, although bearings may seem ordinary, their function is enormous. It makes machines operate more efficiently, enables various industries to develop rapidly, and also changes our way of life. From daily travel to technological innovation, bearings are everywhere. It seems that calling it the 'greatest invention' is not an exaggeration at all.
