Bearings for pod propulsion system

Abstract

An improved bearing assembly includes one shaft washer (158) rather than using separate forward and aft shaft washers as in the prior art; a slight lengthening of the forward roller (174) as compared to the aft roller (176); an increase in the diameter of the forward roller relative to the aft roller; an increase in the number of rollers; improved materials, particularly in the shaft washer (158) where fewer inclusions are present in the metal; and an osculation configured to provide less space and unconstrained movement between the rollers and runways. The improvements result in decreased movement or play between the shaft washers, the bearings / rollers, and the outer rings, reducing the risk of defects arising in the shaft washers, the bearings / rollers, and the outer rings and the probability that if any defects do arise they will worsen and cause significant damage. The improvements and changes provide a compact design that fits within existing pod propulsion systems.

Description

[0001] priority statement [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 092,397, filed August 27, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to marine propulsion systems and, more particularly, to thrust bearing designs for use in the design of cabin propulsion systems for large vessels. Background technique [0004] Such as figure 1 As shown, the pod propulsion system or pod 10 is typically used to propel large watercraft 12 such as cruise liners, naval ships, and oil tankers. Such pod propulsion systems 10, commonly referred to as azimuth pods, are relatively self-contained units that can be suspended beneath the pierced hull 22 and independently azimuthally rotated through 360 degrees to provide the required thrust in any direction. The azimuth cabin eliminates the need for stern thrusters and maximizes maneuverability. In this...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Some of the reliability and maintenance issues include degraded performance, pitting, chipping, cracking and complete failure of propeller shafts, rollers, inner and outer rings and other components of the bearing system, regardless of prior knowledge of the engine program and design components How about an effort to prevent problems like this

The resulting surface failure then becomes the focus for further damage during the less severe loads typically imposed on the bearing, leading to premature failure

Images