Imagine a world where your washing machine or car stops working all too soon – sounds frustrating, right? 🤯 That’s where ball bearings come in. 💡 Swedish engineer Sven Wingquist (1876–1953) invented the modern self-aligning ball bearing in 1907. 🇸🇪🌟 His design incorporated two rows of balls and a spherical outer ring, which allowed the bearing to adjust when a shaft bends. This design evenly distributes the load and increases the bearing's durability. Today, self-aligning ball bearings are used in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and other industries. 🚜 Wingquist patented his groundbreaking invention and went on to found SKF (Svenska Kullagerfabriken), now the world's largest bearing manufacturer. In 1926, SKF's subsidiary, Volvo, was established. Fun fact: the name 'Volvo' translates as 'I roll' in Latin – and was originally SKF's slogan! 🚗 Photos: 1. Ellinor Algin/Tekniska Museet, 2. Järnvägsmuseet, SKF at the Anniversary Exhibition in Gothenburg in 1923, 3. M...