Bearings for partially spherical components and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

A bearing for a component at least partially spherical, the bearing comprising a first portion and a complementary second portion integral with the first portion and joined by a folded bridge portion, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compression spring force against the component to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to bearings and bearing assemblies, and in particular, the present disclosure relates to bearings for use with spherically shaped components to form joint assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0002] Articulating components, such as ball bearings, are used in many applications as an attachment between components, such as but not limited to vehicle components. Such components are often coupled to a housing to form a joint assembly. One particular area of development is the use of these joint assemblies as ball joint support structures in a variety of applications, including but not limited to vehicles, aerospace, and other mechanical applications. There is an ongoing need in the industry to improve joint assemblies and bearing members for use in such joint assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The present disclosure can be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages can become more apparent to one skilled in the art by reference to the following drawing, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 including a step-by-step manufacturing process;

[0005] Figure 2A including illustrations of materials that can be formed into bearings according to various embodiments;

[0006] Figure 2B including illustrations of composite materials that can be formed into bearings according to various embodiments;

[0007] Figure 2C including illustrations of composite materials that can be formed into bearings according to various embodiments;

[0008] Figure 2D including illustrations of composite materials that can be formed into bearings according to various embodiments;

[0009] Figure 2E including illustrations of composite materials that can be formed into bearings according to various embodiments;

[0010] Figure 3A including illustrations of top perspective views of bearings in an installed position according to various embodiments;

[0011] Figure 3B including illustrations of side views of bearings in an uninstalled position according to various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 3C including illustrations of cross-sectional views of bearings in an installed position along an axis A-A in Figure 3A

[0013] Figure 4 ​Illustrations of bearings according to embodiments herein for use in exemplary joint assemblies according to embodiments.

[0014] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following description in connection with the appended drawings is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The discussion below will focus on specific embodiments and implementations of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in description of the teachings and is not to be construed as limiting the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed.

[0016] The terms "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," or any other similar phrase are intended to mean "including but not limited to." For example, a method, an article, or an apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but can include other features that are not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0017] Also, the use of "one" or "a" or "the" are used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the application. This description should be read to include one, at least one, an amount, or plural referring to elements, unless it is clear from the context that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item can be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item can be substituted in place of the more than one item.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and can be found in textbooks and other sources within the bearing assembly arts.

[0019] For illustrative purposes, Figure 1 A diagram showing a step-by-step manufacturing process 10 for forming a bearing is included. The forming process 10 can include a first step 12 of providing a material or composite material including a substrate. The forming process 10 can also include a second step 14 of manipulating an end of the material or composite material to form a bearing.

[0020] Figure 2A A diagram including material 1000 is shown, which can be formed into a bearing as a first step 12 of forming process 10. The bearing can include a substrate 119. In one embodiment, substrate 119 can at least partially comprise a metal. According to certain embodiments, the metal can include iron, copper, titanium, tin, aluminum, alloys thereof, or can be another type of metal. More specifically, substrate 119 can at least partially comprise steel, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or spring steel. For example, substrate 119 can at least partially comprise stainless steel. The stainless steel can be annealed, ¼ hard, ½ hard, ¾ hard, or full hard. Further, the steel can include stainless steel containing chromium, nickel, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, substrate 119 can include a woven mesh or expanded metal grid. The woven mesh or expanded metal grid can comprise a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, etc. Optionally, the woven mesh can be a woven polymer mesh. In an alternative embodiment, substrate 119 can not include a mesh or grid. Further, substrate 119 can include a Vickers Pyramid Number Hardness (VPN) that can be > 350, such as > 375, > 400, > 425, or > 450. The VPN can also be < 500, < 475, or < 450. The VPN can also be within a range between any of the VPN values described herein, and including any of the VPN values described herein. In another aspect, substrate 119 can be treated to increase its corrosion resistance. Specifically, substrate 119 can be passivated. For example, substrate 119 can be passivated according to ASTM standard A967. Substrate 119 can be formed by at least one of chamfering, turning, reaming, forging, extruding, molding, sintering, rolling, or casting.

[0021] Substrate 119 can have a thickness Ts between about 10 microns and about 1500 microns, such as between about 50 microns and about 1000 microns, such as between about 100 microns and about 750 microns, such as between about 350 microns and about 650 microns. In various embodiments, substrate 119 can have a thickness Ts between about 700 microns and 800 microns. In various embodiments, substrate 119 can have a thickness Ts between about 950 microns and 1050 microns. It should also be appreciated that the thickness Ts of substrate 119 can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values described above. The thickness of substrate 119 can be uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of substrate 119 can be equal to the thickness at a second location along it. The thickness of substrate 119 can be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of substrate 119 can be different than the thickness at a second location along it.

[0022] Figure 2B A diagram including composite material 1001, which can be substituted for material 1000, is shown, which can be formed into a bearing as a first step 12 of forming process 10. For purposes of illustration,Figure 2B The layer-by-layer construction of the composite material 1001 of the bearing is illustrated. In several embodiments, the composite material 1001 may include a substrate 119 (as described above) and a low-friction layer 104 coupled to or covering the substrate 119. In a more specific embodiment, the composite material 1001 may include a substrate 119 and a plurality of low-friction layers 104 covering the substrate 119. Figure 2B As shown, the low-friction layer 104 may be attached to at least a portion of the substrate 119. In one embodiment, the low-friction layer 104 may be attached to a surface of the substrate 119 to form an interface with another surface of another component. The low-friction layer 104 may be attached to a radially inner surface of the substrate 119. Alternatively, the low-friction layer 104 may be attached to a radially outer surface of the substrate 119.

[0023] In various embodiments, the low-friction layer 104 can include a low-friction material. The low-friction material can include, for example, a polymer such as a polyketone, a polyaramid, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyether sulfone, a polyphenyl sulfone, a polyamide-imide, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a fluoropolymer, a polybenzimidazole, a polyacetal, a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyimide (PI), a polyetherimide, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polyethylene (PE), a polysulfone, a polyamide (PA), a polyphenylene ether, a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a polyurethane, a polyester, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any combination thereof. In one example, the low-friction layer 104 includes a polyketone such as a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polyether ketone, a polyether ketone ketone, a polyether ketone ether ketone, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. In a further example, the low-friction layer 104 can include an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In another example, the low-friction layer 104 can include a fluoropolymer including a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV), a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or an ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE). The low-friction layer 104 can include a solid-based material including a lithium soap, graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon nitride, tungsten carbide, or diamond-like carbon, a metal such as aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel, anodized metals including the listed metals, or any combination thereof. Depending on the particular embodiment, a fluoropolymer can be used. In one embodiment, the low-friction layer 104 can include a woven mesh or an expanded metal mesh. The woven mesh or the expanded metal mesh can include a metal or a metal alloy such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, and the like. Optionally, the woven mesh can be a woven polymeric mesh. In one alternative embodiment, the low-friction layer 104 can not include a mesh or a mesh.

[0024] In various embodiments, the low-friction layer 104 can also include fillers, including glass, carbon fibers, silicon, PEEK, aromatic polyesters, carbon particles, bronze, fluoropolymers, thermoplastic fillers, alumina, polyamide-imide (PAI), PPS, polyphenylene sulfone (PPSO2), LCP, aromatic polyesters, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, graphene, expanded graphite, boron nitride, talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the fillers can include alumina, silica, titania, calcium fluoride, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof. The fillers can be in the form of beads, fibers, powders, meshes, or any combination thereof. The fillers can be at least 10 wt.%, such as at least 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 25 wt.%, or even 30 wt.%, based on the total weight of the low-friction layer.

[0025] In some embodiments, the low-friction layer 104 can include a damping material. The damping material can include natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amide, asphalt, polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA), EVA foam, low-density polyethylene foam, nitrile rubber foam, polychloroprene foam, polyimide foam, polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, silicone foam, foam rubber, polyurethane foam, XPS foam, epoxy foam, phenolic foam, or any combination thereof. The damping layer 104 can include a solid-based material, including lithium soap, latex, graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon nitride, tungsten carbide, or diamond-like carbon, metals (e.g., aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel), metal alloys (including the listed metals), anodized metals (including the listed metals), or any combination thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment, the low-friction layer 104 can have a thickness T SL In various embodiments, the low-friction layer 104 can have a thickness T SL It should also be appreciated that the thickness T SLAny value between any of the above minimum and maximum values can be. The thickness of the low friction layer 104 can be uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of the low friction layer 104 can be equal to the thickness at a second location along thereof. The thickness of the low friction layer 104 can be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of the low friction layer 104 can be different than the thickness at a second location along thereof. It can be appreciated that different low friction layers 104 can have different thicknesses. The low friction layer 104 can cover one major surface of the substrate 119 as shown, or both major surfaces. The substrate 119 can be at least partially encapsulated by the low friction layer 104. That is, the low friction layer 104 can cover at least a portion of the substrate 119.

[0027] Figure 2C An illustration of an alternative embodiment of a composite material 1002 including alternative materials 1000, 1001 that can be formed into a bearing as a first step 12 of the forming process 10. For purposes of illustration, Figure 2C A layer-by-layer construction of the composite material 1002 of the bearing is shown. According to this particular embodiment, the composite material 1002 can be similar to the composite material 1001 of Figure 2B the composite material 1001, except that the composite material 1002 can also include at least one adhesive layer 121 that can couple the low friction layer 104 to the substrate 119. In another alternative embodiment, the substrate 119 as a solid piece, woven mesh, or expanded metal grid can be embedded between the low friction layer 104 and the at least one adhesive layer 121 included therebetween.

[0028] The adhesive layer 121 can include any known adhesive material commonly used in the bearing art, including but not limited to a fluoropolymer, an epoxy resin, a polyimide resin, a polyether / polyamide copolymer, an ethylene vinyl acetate, an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), an ETFE copolymer, a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), or any combination thereof. Additionally, the adhesive can include at least one functional group selected from -C=0, -C-0-R, -COH, -COOH, -COOR, -CF2=CF-OR, or any combination thereof, where R is a cyclic or straight chain organic group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Additionally, the adhesive can include a copolymer.

[0029] Filler particles (functional and / or non-functional) can be added to the adhesive layer 121, such as carbon fillers, carbon fibers, carbon particles, graphite, metal fillers such as bronze, aluminum, and other metals and alloys thereof, metal oxide fillers, metal-coated carbon fillers, metal-coated polymeric fillers, or any combination thereof.

[0030] In one embodiment, the hot melt adhesive can have a melting temperature of no greater than 250°C, such as no greater than 220°C. In another embodiment, the adhesive can decompose at greater than 200°C, such as greater than 220°C. In further embodiments, the hot melt adhesive can have a melting temperature of greater than 250°C or even greater than 300°C. The adhesive layer 121 can have a thickness T of between about 1 micron to about 80 microns, such as between about 10 microns and about 50 microns, such as between about 20 microns and about 40 microns. AL In various embodiments, the adhesive layer 121 can have a thickness T of between about 3 microns and 20 microns AL In various embodiments, the adhesive layer 121 can have a thickness T of between about 10 microns and 60 microns AL It should also be appreciated that the thickness T of the adhesive layer 121 AL may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values described above. The thickness of the adhesive layer 121 can be uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of the adhesive layer 121 can be equal to the thickness at a second location along it. The thickness of the adhesive layer 121 can be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness at a first location of the adhesive layer 121 can be different than the thickness at a second location along it.

[0031] Figure 2D An illustration of an alternative embodiment of a composite material 1003 including replaceable material 1000, 1001, 1002 that can be formed into a bearing that is the first step 12 of the forming process 10. For purposes of illustration, Figure 2D a layer-by-layer construction of the composite material 1003 of the bearing is shown. According to this particular embodiment, the composite material 1003 can be similar to the composite material 1002 Figure 2C except that the composite material 1003 can also include at least one corrosion resistant layer 103 and 105, and a corrosion resistant coating 125, which can include a tackifier layer 127 and an epoxy layer 129, which can be coupled to the substrate 119, and a low friction layer 104.

[0032] The substrate 119 can be coated with corrosion resistant layers 103 and 105 including corrosion resistant materials to prevent corrosion of the composite material 1003 prior to processing. Additionally, a functional layer 107 can be applied over the layer 103. Each of the layers 103, 105, and 107 can have a thickness of about 1 micron to 50 microns, such as about 7 microns to 15 microns. The layers 103 and 105 can include corrosion resistant materials including phosphates of zinc, iron, manganese, or any combination thereof. Further, the layers 103 and 105 can include corrosion resistant materials including passivated surfaces, commercially available zinc (mechanical / electroplated) or zinc-nickel coatings, or any combination thereof. The layer 107 can include functional silanes, nanoscale silane substrate primers, hydrolyzed silanes, organosilane adhesion promoters, solvent / water based silane primers. The corrosion resistant layers 103 and 105 can be removed or retained during processing.

[0033] As described above, the composite material 1003 can also include a corrosion resistant coating 125. The corrosion resistant coating 125 can have a thickness of about 1 micron to 50 microns, such as about 5 microns to 20 microns, such as about 7 microns to 15 microns. The corrosion resistant coating 125 can include an adhesion promoter layer 127 and an epoxy layer 129. The adhesion promoter layer 127 can include corrosion resistant materials including phosphates of zinc, iron, manganese, tin, or any combination thereof. The adhesion promoter layer 127 can include corrosion resistant materials including functional silanes, nanoscale silane based layers, hydrolyzed silanes, organosilane adhesion promoters, solvent / water based silane primers, chlorinated polyolefins, passivated surfaces, commercially available zinc (mechanical / electroplated) or zinc-nickel coatings, or any combination thereof. The adhesion promoter 127 can be applied by spray coating, electrocoating, dip spin coating, electrostatic coating, flow coating, roll coating, knife coating, coil coating, or the like.

[0034] The epoxy layer 129 can be an anticorrosive material including a thermally cured epoxy, a UV cured epoxy, an IR cured epoxy, an electron beam cured epoxy, a radiation cured epoxy, or an air cured epoxy. Further, the epoxy layer 129 can include an anticorrosive material including a polyglycidyl ether, a diglycidyl ether, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, an oxirane, an oxirane, an oxirane, a 1,2-epoxypropane, a 2-methyloxirane, a 9,10-epoxy-9,10-dihydroanthracene, or any combination thereof. The epoxy layer 129 can also include a hardener. The hardener can include an amine, an acid anhydride, a phenolic novolac hardener such as phenolic novolac poly[N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)maleimide] (PHPMI), a resol resin, a fatty amine compound, a polycarbonic anhydride, a polyacrylate, an isocyanate, an encapsulated polyisocyanate, a boron trifluoride amine complex, a chromium based hardener such as chromium particles, a polyamide, or any combination thereof. Generally, the acid anhydride can conform to the formula R-C=0-0-C=0-R', where R can be CXHYXZAU as described above. The amine can include an aliphatic amine such as monoethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, and the like, a cycloaliphatic amine, an aromatic amine such as a cycloaliphatic amine, a cycloaliphatic amine, an amidoamine, a polyamide, a dicyandiamide, an imidazole derivative, or any combination thereof. Generally, the amine can be a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine conforming to the formula R1R2R3N, where R can be CXHYXZAU as described above. In one embodiment, the epoxy layer 129 can include a filler to improve conductivity such as a carbon filler, a carbon fiber, a carbon particle, a graphite, a metal filler such as bronze, aluminum, and other metals and alloys thereof, a metal oxide filler, a metal coated carbon filler, a metal coated polymer filler, or any combination thereof. The conductive filler can allow current to pass through the epoxy coating and can increase the conductivity of the composite material compared to a composite material without the conductive filler. In one embodiment, the epoxy layer 129 can be applied by spraying, electrocoating, dip-spinning, electrostatic coating, flow coating, roll coating, doctor blade coating, wire-wound coating, and the like. Additionally, the epoxy layer 129 can be cured, for example, by thermal curing, UV curing, IR curing, electron beam curing, radiation curing, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the curing can be accomplished without increasing the temperature of the component above the decomposition temperature of any of the low friction layer 104, the adhesive layer 121, the substrate 119, or the adhesion promoter layer 127. Thus, the epoxy can be cured at less than about 250 °C, even less than about 200 °C.

[0035] Figure 2E An illustration of an alternative embodiment of a composite material 1004 including alternative materials 1000, 1001, 1002, and 1003 that can be formed into a bearing as the first step 12 of the forming process 10. According to this particular embodiment, the composite material 1004 can be similar toFigure 2C The composite material 1000 differs from the composite material 1002 in that it may include a substrate 119 and a plurality of low-friction layers 1104, 1104' bonded to the substrate 119 by a plurality of adhesive layers 1121, 1121'. It is understood that... Figure 2D Any of the intermediate layers of the composite material 1001 shown (i.e., anti-corrosion layers 1704, 1705, and 1708, or corrosion-resistant layer 1125 which may include adhesive layer 1127 and / or epoxy resin layer 1129) may be included in any orientation or stack. Figure 2E Between any of the layers shown.

[0036] In several embodiments, the material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 may have a specific thickness T. B According to certain implementation schemes, the thickness T of the material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 B It can be at least about 0.1 mm, or at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.8 mm, or even at least about 1.5 mm. According to other embodiments, the T of the material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004... B It can be no greater than approximately 2 mm, such as no greater than approximately 1.5 mm or even no greater than approximately 1.0 mm. It should be understood that the thickness T of materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004... B It can be within the range of either the minimum or maximum value mentioned above. It should also be understood that the thickness T of the material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004... B It can be any value between the minimum and maximum values ​​mentioned above. It can also be understood that the thickness T of the material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 is... B It can vary along its circumference. It can also be understood that the thickness T of the material or composite material is 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004. B It can vary along its circumference and can vary across multiple materials or composite materials.

[0037] In one implementation scheme, Figure 1any of the layers on the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above can be each disposed in a roll and peeled therefrom to be joined together under pressure, at elevated temperature (hot pressing or cold pressing or roll pressing), by an adhesive or by any combination thereof. As described above, any of the layers of the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 can be laminated together such that they at least partially overlap one another. As described above, any of the layers on the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 can be applied together using a coating technique such as, for example, physical or vapor deposition, spray coating, electroplating, powder coating or by other chemical or electrochemical techniques. In one particular embodiment, the low friction layer 104 can be applied by a roll-to-roll coating process including, for example, extrusion coating. The low friction layer 104 can be heated to a molten or semi-molten state and extruded through a slot die onto the major surface of the substrate 119. In one embodiment, the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 can be a single monolithic material strip.

[0038] In other embodiments, at step 12 of Figure 1 any of the layers on the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above can be applied by a coating technique such as, for example, physical or vapor deposition, spray coating, electroplating, powder coating or by other chemical or electrochemical techniques. In one particular embodiment, the low friction layer 104 can be applied by a roll-to-roll coating process including, for example, extrusion coating. The low friction layer 104 can be heated to a molten or semi-molten state and extruded through a slot die onto the major surface of the substrate 119. In another embodiment, the low friction layer 104 can be cast or molded.

[0039] In one embodiment, a molten adhesive layer 121 can be used to glue the low friction layer 104 or any layers to the substrate 119 to form a laminate. In one embodiment, any intermediate or protruding layers on the material or composite 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 can form an intermediate material, for example, a laminate. The intermediate material can be cut into strips or blanks that can form bearings. The cutting of the intermediate material can include the use of a punch, press, piercer, saw or can be machined in different ways. The cutting of the intermediate material can result in a cut edge that includes an exposed portion of the substrate 119.

[0040] In one embodiment, at step 12 of Figure 1In the second step 14, the blank (formed from material or composite material 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) can be formed into a bearing by manipulating the laminated strip or the end of the blank. The bearing can be formed by stamping, pressing, punching, sawing, rolling, crimping, deep drawing, or can be machined in various ways. After the semi-finished bearing is formed, it can be cleaned to remove any lubricants and oils used in the forming and molding process. Additionally, cleaning can prepare the exposed surfaces of the substrate for coating application. Cleaning may include chemical cleaning using solvents and / or mechanical cleaning (such as ultrasonic cleaning).

[0041] Figure 3A This illustration includes a top perspective view of a bearing 300, according to multiple embodiments, in its installation position and formed from blanks of materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above. Figure 3A As shown, bearing 300 may include a semi-annular strip 302. The semi-annular strip 302 may be formed from a blank as described above, which may be partially bent into an arc shape around a central axis 390. Bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have a first axial end 304 and a second axial end 306. Bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have a first circumferential end (or proximal end) 308 and a second circumferential end (or distal end) 310. Bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have an inner surface 312 and an outer surface 314. Bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have a first portion 320 and a second portion 340 axially opposite to the first portion 320. Bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have a folded bridge portion 360 disposed between the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 to connect the first portion 320 and the second portion 340. Initially, bearing 300 may be in an unmounted position without modification, as described in further detail below. In several embodiments, first portion 320 and second portion 340 may be positioned around another component to place bearing 300 in an mounting position, as described in further detail below. The inner surface 312 of bearing 300 and / or semi-annular strip 302 may have a low-friction layer conforming to the shape of semi-annular strip 302, wherein the substrate forming outer surface 314 is formed of the materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above. Alternatively or otherwise, the outer surface 314 of bearing 300 may have a low-friction layer conforming to the shape of the semi-annular strip 302 forming the substrate of inner surface 312, such as being formed of the materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above. In other embodiments, the low-friction layer may be laminated onto both the inner surface 312 and the outer surface 314 of the bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular strip 302. Still referring to...Figure 3A In several embodiments, the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 may be closed around the component (not shown) to form an arcuate or at least partially spherical closure 355 in the mounting position.

[0042] Figure 3B This illustration includes a side view of a bearing 300, according to multiple embodiments, in its uninstalled position and formed from blanks of materials or composite materials 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 as described above. Figure 3B As shown, the bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular strip 302 may include a first portion 320 and a second portion 340 opposite to the first portion 320. In several embodiments, the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 do not contact or approach each other to form an unmounted position. The first portion 320 may have an inner surface 322 and an outer surface 324. The first portion 320 may have an arcuate inner surface 326 along a portion of its inner surface 322. The arcuate inner surface 326 may be at least partially spherical. The second portion 340 may have an inner surface 342 and an outer surface 344. The second portion 340 may have an arcuate inner surface 346 along a portion of its inner surface 342. The arcuate inner surface 346 may be at least partially spherical.

[0043] Figure 3C Including bearing 300 in the installation position Figure 3A A diagram illustrating the cross-sectional view of axis AA in the figure. (See diagram below.) Figure 3C As shown, the first portion 320 may have an arc angle α, which measures the angle of the first portion 320 from the first axial end 304 to the second axial end 306. As a non-limiting embodiment, the angle α may be at least 0.1°, such as at least 2°, at least 4°, at least 5°, or even at least 10°. In another embodiment, the angle α may be no greater than 60°, such as no greater than 45°, no greater than 35°, no greater than 30°, no greater than 25°, or even no greater than 20°. It should be understood that the angle α may be within a range between any of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values. It should also be understood that the angle α may be any value between any of the aforementioned minimum and maximum values.

[0044] Still referencing Figure 3CThe second portion 340 can have an arc angle beta that measures the angle of the first portion 340 from the first axial end 304 to the second axial end 306. As non-limiting embodiments, the angle beta can be at least 0.1°, such as at least 2°, at least 4°, at least 5°, or even at least 10°. In another embodiment, the angle beta can be no greater than 60°, such as no greater than 45°, no greater than 35°, no greater than 30°, no greater than 25°, or even no greater than 20°. It should be understood that the angle beta can range between any of the minimum and maximum values described above. It should also be understood that the angle beta can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values described above.

[0045] Referring back to Figure 3B As described above, the bearing 300 and / or the semi-annular band 302 can have a folded bridge portion 360 disposed between the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 to connect the first portion 320 and the second portion 340. The folded bridge portion 360 can be arcuate in shape. As shown, the folded bridge portion 360 can have a height that allows for a gap between the first portion 320 and the second portion 340. The folded bridge portion 360 can be elastic and allow the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 to move between an uninstalled position and an installed position. The folded bridge portion 360 can be elastic and provide an elastic effect to allow the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 to move between an uninstalled position and an installed position, thus exerting a spring force on the component in the installed position. In embodiments, the length of the folded bridge portion 360 can be equal to or less than the length of the bearing L B In this way, the folded bridge portion 360 can have external notches that reduce the length L B of the bearing at the folded bridge portion 360.

[0046] As Figure 3B shown, in embodiments, the first portion 320 of the bearing can include an elongated beam 360 extending radially from the central axis 390. The beam 360 can have a proximal end 362 and a distal end 364. As Figure 3B shown, the beam 360 can have a circumferential width W FPF defined as the distance from the proximal end 362 to the distal end 364.

[0047] Further, as Figure 3B shown, in embodiments, the second portion 340 of the bearing can include an elongated beam 370 extending radially from the central axis 390. The beam 370 can have a proximal end 372 and a distal end 374.

[0048] In embodiments, at least one of the beam 360 of the first portion 320 or the beam 370 of the second portion 340 of the bearing 400 can include a tapered region. AsFigure 3B As shown, for example, the beam 370 of the second portion 340 of the bearing 400 can include a tapered region 371. The tapered region 371 can be adapted to form a gap 373 between the beam 360 of the first portion 320 and the beam 370 of the second portion 340 that can abut a hemi-spherical void between the bearing 400 and the at least partially spherical component 375 in the installed position, as discussed in greater detail below. The tapered region 371 can form an "S" shape as shown. In various embodiments, the tapered region 371 can be located at the proximal end 372 of the beam 370. The tapered region 371 can include an angled region 371a and a flat region 371b. The angled region 371a can form an angle between the angled region 371a and the flat region 371b. As non-limiting embodiments, the angle Θ can be at least 0.1°, such as at least 2°, at least 4°, at least 5°, or even at least 10°. In another embodiment, the angle Θ can be no greater than 60°, such as no greater than 45°, no greater than 35°, no greater than 30°, no greater than 25°, or even no greater than 20°. It will be appreciated that the angle Θ can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It will also be appreciated that the angle Θ can be any value between the minimum and maximum values noted above. The width of the tapered region 371 can be any value less than the circumferential width of the beams 360, 370.

[0049] Further, referring back to Figure 3A The gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can have a height H TR defined as the distance between the first portion 320 and the second portion 340 within the tapered region 371. According to certain embodiments, the height H TR of the gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can be at least about 0.001 mm or at least about 0.05 mm or at least about 0.1 mm or at least about 0.25 mm or even at least about 0.5 mm. According to other embodiments, the height H TR of the gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can be no greater than about 20 mm, for example, no greater than about 10 mm, 5 mm, 2.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, or even no greater than about 0.25 mm. In various embodiments, the height H TR of the gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can be within a range of at least about 1 mm to no greater than about 10 mm. It will be appreciated that the height H TR of the gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It will also be appreciated that the height H TR of the gap 373 formed by the tapered region 371 can be any value between the minimum and maximum values noted above. It will also be appreciated that the height H TRThe gap 373 can vary along its circumference and can vary across multiple bearings. In some cases, the gap 373 can have a height H TR The size increases from the distal end 310 of the bearing 300 to the proximal end 308. This can increase the size of the gap 373 from the distal end 310 of the bearing 300 to the proximal end 308.

[0050] Figure 4 An illustration of a bearing 400 according to embodiments herein including for use in an exemplary joint assembly 4000 according to embodiments. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can cover a component 475 that is at least partially spherical. The component 475 that is at least partially spherical can include a spherical ball 477. In embodiments, the component 475 that is at least partially spherical can include a shaft 479 connected to the spherical ball 477. In an installed position, the bearing 400 can cover the component 475 that is at least partially spherical to at least partially enclose the component 475 that is at least partially spherical and provide a compression spring force against the component 475 that is at least partially spherical to form the joint assembly 4000. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can cover the spherical ball 477 of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical in an installed position to at least partially enclose the component 475 that is at least partially spherical and provide a compression spring force against the component 474 that is at least partially spherical to form the joint assembly 4000.

[0051] The bearing 400 can form a joint assembly 4000 that allows for movement of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can form a joint assembly 4000 that allows for rotational movement of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical about a central axis 490. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can form a joint assembly 4000 that allows for articulation movement (e.g., any movement of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical that is not rotational while still keeping the component 475 that is at least partially spherical within the bearing) of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical about the central axis 490. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can form a joint assembly 4000 that allows for a combination of articulation and rotational movement of the component 475 that is at least partially spherical about the central axis 490.

[0052] Figure 4 A base 465 is also shown. The base 465 can be operatively connected to the bearing 400. In embodiments, the bearing 400 can be operatively connected to the base 465 to form a mounting system 4500. In embodiments, a distal end 410 of the bearing 400 can be operatively connected to the base 465 to form a cantilever.

[0053] Furthermore, as Figure 4As shown, the beam 460 of the first portion 420 may include at least one engagement feature 466 adapted to secure the first portion 420 of the bearing 400 around a component 475 that is at least partially spherical by securing the first portion 420 of the bearing 400 to the base 465. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the beam 470 of the second portion 440 may include at least one engagement feature 476 adapted to secure the second portion 440 of the bearing 400 around a component 475 that is at least partially spherical by securing the second portion 440 of the bearing 400 to the base 465. The first portion 420 and the second portion 440 of the bearing 400 may be secured together around the component 475 that is at least partially spherical by their respective engagement features 466, 476. In several embodiments, the first portion 420 may include a plurality of engagement features 466. In several embodiments, the second portion 440 may include a plurality of engagement features 466. In several embodiments, the engagement features 466, 476 of at least one of the first portion 420 or the second portion 440 may include holes adapted to receive fasteners (not shown). In several embodiments, the engagement features 466, 476 of both the first portion 420 and the second portion 440 may include holes adapted to receive a common fastener. The fastener secures and fixes the bearing 400 to the base 465. Fasteners may include threads or helices, screws, bolts, clamps, snaps, clips, latches, pins, rivets, straps, nails, slats, buckles, beams, frogs, grommets, hook-eyes, nails, spiral anchors, snap fasteners, stitching, threaded fasteners, straps, toggle bolts, wedge anchors, pins, grooves and stops, nuts and bolts, nuts and threaded rods, latches, handles, lock nuts, strap rivets, or may be different components. The combination of engagement features 466, 476 and fasteners can work together to compress the first portion 420 and the second portion 440 of bearing 400 together around a component 475 that is at least partially spherical to form a joint assembly 4000, while also operatively connecting or securing bearing 400 to base 465 to form a cantilever.

[0054] In various embodiments, the bearing 400 can cover the at least partially spherical component 475 around a portion of a circumference of the central axis 490. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 can cover the at least partially spherical component 475 around less than 360 degrees of a circumference of the rotating member 370 due to the gap 457 between the first portion 420 or the second portion 440 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis 490. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 can cover the at least partially spherical component 475 at least 90 degrees, such as at least 120 degrees, such as at least 150 degrees, such as at least 180 degrees, such as at least 210 degrees, such as at least 240 degrees, such as at least 270 degrees, such as at least 300 degrees, such as at least 330 degrees of a circumference of the at least partially spherical component 475. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 can cover the at least partially spherical component 475 no greater than 345 degrees, such as no greater than 300 degrees, such as no greater than 270 degrees, such as no greater than 240 degrees, such as no greater than 210 degrees, such as no greater than 180 degrees, such as no greater than 150 degrees, such as no greater than 119 degrees of a circumference of the inner turning member 104. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 can cover the at least partially spherical component 475 between about 180 degrees and 300 degrees of a circumference of the at least partially spherical component 475.

[0055] In various embodiments, the gap 457 can be formed around a circumference of the at least partially spherical component 475 when the bearing 400 is in the installed position. As shown, the gap 457 can be hemispherical around the at least partially spherical component 475. The size of the gap 457 can be adjusted depending on how much of the at least partially spherical component 475 is covered by the bearing 300. As described above, in the installed position shown, the gap 457 can be contiguous with the gap 473 between the first portion 420 and the second portion 440.

[0056] A compression spring force can be observed between the bearing and the at least partially spherical component. The compression spring force can be defined as the force exerted by the bearing on the at least partially spherical component in the installed position. In various embodiments, the compression spring force can be at least 1 kg.f and no greater than 3 kg.f in the closed position around the partially spherical component.

[0057] As described above, the bearings according to the embodiments herein can be used in assemblies. For example, according to various embodiments, the assembly can be a joint assembly for a variety of applications. In some embodiments, the joint assembly can be used in a vehicle.

[0058] A method is described in accordance with various embodiments herein. The method can include providing a component that is at least partially spherical. The method can also include providing a bearing comprising: a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion and joined by a folded bridge portion, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the substrate. The method can also include clamping the first and second portions together to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compression spring force against the component to form a joint assembly, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component. The method can also include operatively connecting the bearing to a base to form a mounting system. The at least partially spherical component can be press fit into the bearing by a user to provide improved ease of assembly.

[0059] In accordance with embodiments herein, bearings and joint assemblies are provided that can provide improved torque and vibration performance while reducing weight, package size, and the number of parts required for the joint assembly. This can allow for improved ease of assembly and longer life of the joint assembly.

[0060] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the present application. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present application is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited to the foregoing detailed description. In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter can be directed to less than all features of a claimed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0061] Further, in the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter can be directed to less than all features of a claimed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0062] Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. As will be understood by those skilled in the art after reading this specification, those aspects and embodiments are merely examples of how the application can be implemented and are not limiting of the scope of the application. Embodiments can be implemented according to any of the following embodiments listed below.

[0063] Embodiment 1 : The present application provides a bearing for a component that is at least partially spherical, the bearing comprising a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion and joined by a folded bridge portion, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compressive spring force against the component to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low-friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

[0064] Embodiment 2: A joint assembly comprising: a component that is at least partially spherical; and a bearing, the bearing comprising: a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion, the first and second portions at least partially enclosing the component, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are joined by a folded bridge portion, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compressive spring force against the component to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low-friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

[0065] Embodiment 3: A mounting system for a component that is at least partially spherical, comprising: a base; a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion, the first and second portions at least partially enclosing the component, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are joined by a folded bridge portion, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compressive spring force against the component to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low-friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the bearing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is operatively connected to the base to form a cantilever.

[0066] Embodiment 4: The bearing of embodiment 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second portions are at least partially hemispherical.

[0067] Embodiment 5: The bearing of embodiment 1, wherein the folded bridge portion comprises an external notch that reduces the length of the folded bridge portion.

[0068] Embodiment 6: The bearing of Embodiment 1, wherein the folded bridge portion has an arcuate shape.

[0069] Embodiment 7: The bearing or assembly of any of Embodiments 1-2 and 4-6, wherein the low-friction layer is adapted to contact the component.

[0070] Embodiment 8: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first portion and the second portion contact at least 90°, such as at least 120°, such as at least 150°, such as at least 180°, such as at least 210°, such as at least 240°, such as at least 270°, such as at least 300°, or such as at least 330° of a circumference of the component.

[0071] Embodiment 9: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least partially spherical component comprises a spherical ball.

[0072] Embodiment 10: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least partially spherical component comprises a shaft.

[0073] Embodiment 11: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first portion and the second portion each further comprise an elongate beam comprising an engagement feature adapted to secure the first portion and the second portion of the bearing together about the component.

[0074] Embodiment 12: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of Embodiment 11, wherein the engagement features on the first portion and the second portion each comprise at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener.

[0075] Embodiment 13: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of Embodiment 11, wherein the beams of the first portion and the second portion form a gap in a mounted position about the component that abuts the hemispherical void between the bearing and the component.

[0076] Embodiment 14: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of Embodiment 13, wherein the gap increases in size from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0077] Embodiment 15: The assembly of any of Embodiments 1-2 and 4-14, wherein the assembly further comprises a base operatively coupled to the bearing by the engagement features of the first portion and the second portion.

[0078] Embodiment 16: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bearing has a compression spring force in the range of 1 kg.f to 3 kg.f about the component in a mounted position.

[0079] Embodiment 17: The bearing or assembly of any of embodiments 1-2 and 4-16, wherein the low friction layer comprises a polymer.

[0080] Embodiment 18: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of embodiment 17, wherein the low friction layer comprises a polyketone, a polyaramid, a polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polyamideimide, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyphenyl sulfone, a fluoropolymer, a polybenzimidazole, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0081] Embodiment 19: The bearing or assembly of any of embodiments 1-2 and 4-18, wherein the substrate comprises a metal or an alloy thereof.

[0082] Embodiment 20: The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of embodiment 19, wherein the substrate comprises stainless steel or spring steel.

[0083] It is noted that not all of the features described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific feature can not be required, and that one or more features can be provided in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which features are described is not necessarily the order in which they are disclosed.

[0084] For clarity, certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0085] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0086] The description and drawings of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. The description and drawings are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all the elements and features of apparatuses and systems using the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Furthermore, references to a value in a range include each value in the range and each value, including the end range values, within the range. Many other embodiments will be apparent to skilled practitioners in the art after review of the specification. Other embodiments can be used and obtained from the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A bearing for a component that is at least partially spherical, the bearing comprising: a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion and joined by a resiliently folded bridge portion, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compression spring force against the component through the resiliently folded bridge portion to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

2. A joint assembly comprising: a component that is at least partially spherical; and a bearing, the bearing comprising: a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion, the first and second portions at least partially enclosing the component, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are joined by a resiliently folded bridge portion, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compression spring force against the component through the resiliently folded bridge portion to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate.

3. A mounting system for a component that is at least partially spherical, comprising: a base; and a bearing, the bearing comprising: a first portion and a complementary second portion that is integral with the first portion, the first and second portions at least partially enclosing the component, the first and second portions each comprising an arcuate inner surface, wherein the first and second portions are joined by a resiliently folded bridge portion, wherein the first and second portions are adapted to at least partially enclose the component and provide a compression spring force against the component through the resiliently folded bridge portion to form a joint assembly that allows rotation of the component, wherein the first and second portions form a hemispherical void around the component, and wherein the bearing comprises a metal substrate and a low friction layer covering at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the bearing comprises a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is operatively connected to the base to form a cantilever.

4. The bearing of claim 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the first and second portions are at least partially hemispherical.

5. The bearing of claim 1, wherein the resiliently folded bridge portion comprises an external notch that reduces the length of the resiliently folded bridge portion.

6. The bearing of claim 1, wherein the resiliently folded bridge portion has an arcuate shape.

7. The bearing or assembly of any of claims 1-2, wherein the low friction layer is adapted to contact the component.

8. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first portion and the second portion contact at least 90° of a circumference of the component.

9. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least partially spherical component comprises a spherical ball.

10. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least partially spherical component comprises a shaft.

11. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first portion and the second portion each further comprise an elongate beam comprising an engagement feature adapted to secure the first portion and the second portion of the bearing together about the component.

12. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of claim 11, wherein the engagement feature on the first portion and the second portion each comprise at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener.

13. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of claim 11, wherein the elongate beams of the first portion and the second portion form a gap in a mounted position about the component that abuts the hemispherical void between the bearing and the component.

14. The bearing, assembly, or mounting system of claim 13, wherein the gap increases in size from a distal end to a proximal end.

15. The assembly or mounting system of any of claims 2-3, wherein the assembly further comprises a base operatively coupled to the bearing by engagement features of the first portion and the second portion.

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