New Patent from C&U Group: Gradient Buffer Structure Solves Early Failure Issue in Hub Bearings

In March 2026, C&U Group Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Renben Group Co., Ltd. jointly submitted a patent application titled “Automotive Hub Bearing with Gradient Energy‑Absorbing Buffer Structure” (Publication No. CN121897660A) to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. The invention aims to address the technical bottleneck of premature failure in automotive hub bearings under complex operating conditions.

The proposed patent introduces an innovative bearing structural design. By constructing a three‑layer composite structure—comprising a “nano‑strengthened surface layer, a gradient elastic buffer layer, and a high‑strength matrix layer”—within the raceway regions of the bearing inner and outer rings, the design achieves synergistic optimization of hardness, toughness, and impact resistance. Conventional bearings often face the trade‑off where high hardness compromises toughness. Moreover, surface strengthening treatments are prone to surface spalling due to abrupt “hard‑soft” interfaces. In addition, road impacts during vehicle operation can easily induce indentations on the raceways, which serve as initiation sites for fatigue cracks and accelerate bearing failure.

The novel structure effectively absorbs and dissipates impact loads transmitted from the rolling elements through the gradient elastic buffer layer. The nano‑strengthened surface layer enhances wear resistance, while the high‑strength matrix layer ensures overall structural stability. The synergistic action of the three layers significantly reduces the risk of raceway indentation and prevents early damage caused by localized stress concentration.

This technological breakthrough not only improves the durability and reliability of hub bearings but also provides a new technical pathway for the localization of high‑end automotive components. In recent years, Renben Group has continuously increased its R&D investment and now holds nearly 2,000 patents. The filing of this new patent further consolidates its technological leadership in the field of precision bearings.