Segmented bearing bush with localized and controlled thermal expansion

Abstract

A bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different coefficients of thermal expansion of a bearing and a housing at an installation site. A bearing interface assembly includes: a metal sleeve including an outer surface defining a slot and an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve configured to expand at a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a filament wound composite overwrap disposed within the slot of the metal sleeve, the filament wound composite overwrap configured to expand at a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the orifice to the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

Description

[0001] Introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects that may not have been part of the prior art description at the time of filing are neither expressly nor impliedly considered prior art to the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location. Background Art

[0004] Bearings are mounted on rotating shafts to help support the shaft and reduce friction between the shaft and its housing. The bearing allows the shaft to rotate freely while minimizing the amount of friction generated between the shaft and its housing. This helps reduce wear and tear on the shaft and its housing and can contribute to extending the life of the machine including the shaft. In some applications, the bearing and the housing have different thermal expansion rates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure includes, among various features, a bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location. The bearing interface assembly includes: a metal sleeve including an outer surface defining a groove and an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve being configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a filament-wound composite overwrap disposed within the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap being configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0006] In a further feature, the first coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing at the installation location; and the second coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the bearing.

[0007] In a further feature, the metal sleeve is restricted within the groove to allow regions of the metal sleeve on opposite sides of the groove to expand with the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0008] In a further feature, the groove is defined by a first flange and a second flange, the second flange being longer than the first flange.

[0009] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap is recessed within the groove below the outermost portion of the outer surface.

[0010] In a further feature, the metal sleeve is made of aluminum.

[0011] In a further feature, the metal sleeve is made of magnesium.

[0012] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap comprises at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

[0013] In a further feature: the filament-wound composite overwrap comprises at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin; the thermosetting resin comprises at least one of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide; and the thermoplastic resin comprises at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene ether ketone, and polyetherketone.

[0014] In a further feature, the metal sleeve defines a slit configured to mate with a protrusion at the installation location to restrict rotation of the metal sleeve.

[0015] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap is wound onto the outer surface at an angle not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the metal sleeve and with a thickness that varies in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In a further feature, the groove has a varying depth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap is fixed to the outer surface by at least one of dry filament winding, wet filament winding, thermoplastic filament winding, tow winding, thermoset preprego overwrapping, and thermoplastic prepreg overwrapping.

[0018] Among various features, the present disclosure also includes a bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location. The bearing interface assembly includes: a metal sleeve including a first flange and a second flange, the first flange and the second flange defining a groove therebetween on an outer surface of the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve further including an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve and the housing being configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a filament-wound composite overwrap disposed within the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap and the bearing being configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion without restricting expansion of the first flange and the second flange with the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0019] In a further feature, the groove defines a dovetail cross-section.

[0020] In a further feature, the metal sleeve is made of at least one of aluminum and magnesium.

[0021] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

[0022] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin; the thermosetting resin includes at least one of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide; and the thermoplastic resin includes at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone, and polyether ketone.

[0023] Among various features, the present disclosure also includes a bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location. The bearing interface assembly includes: a metal sleeve including a first flange and a second flange, the first flange and the second flange defining a groove therebetween on an outer surface of the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve further including an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve and the housing being configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a filament-wound composite overwrap disposed in the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap and the bearing being configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion without restricting expansion of the first flange and the second flange with the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The metal sleeve is made of at least one of aluminum and magnesium. The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. The filament-wound composite overwrap is secured to the outer surface by at least one of dry filament winding, wet filament winding, thermoplastic filament winding, tow winding, external winding of a thermosetting prepreg, and external winding of a thermoplastic prepreg.

[0024] In a further feature, the filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin; the thermosetting resin includes at least one of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide; and the thermoplastic resin includes at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, and polyetherketone.

[0025] The present invention also includes the following solutions:

[0026] Solution 1. A bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location, the bearing interface assembly including:

[0027] A metal sleeve including an outer surface defining a groove and an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve being configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and

[0028] A filament-wound composite overwrap disposed in the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap being configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0029] Solution 2. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein:

[0030] The first coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing at the installation location; and

[0031] The second coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the bearing.

[0032] Solution 3. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the metal sleeve is restricted in the groove to allow the regions of the metal sleeve on opposite sides of the groove to expand with the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0033] Solution 4. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the groove is defined by a first flange and a second flange, and the second flange is longer than the first flange.

[0034] Solution 5. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the filament-wound composite outer wrap is recessed in the groove below the outermost portion of the outer surface.

[0035] Solution 6. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the metal sleeve is made of aluminum.

[0036] Solution 7. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the metal sleeve is made of magnesium.

[0037] Solution 8. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the filament-wound composite outer wrap comprises at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

[0038] Solution 9. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein:

[0039] The filament-wound composite outer wrap comprises at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin;

[0040] The thermosetting resin comprises at least one of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide; and

[0041] The thermoplastic resin comprises at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone, and polyether ketone.

[0042] Solution 10. The bearing interface assembly according to Solution 1, wherein the metal sleeve defines a slit configured to cooperate with a protrusion at the installation location to restrict rotation of the metal sleeve.

[0043] Aspect 11. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 1, wherein the filament-wound composite overwrap is wound onto the outer surface at an angle not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the metal sleeve and with a thickness that varies in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0044] Aspect 12. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 11, wherein the groove has a varying depth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] Aspect 13. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 1, wherein the filament-wound composite overwrap is fixed to the outer surface by at least one of dry filament winding, wet filament winding, thermoplastic filament winding, tow winding, external winding of thermoset prepreg, and external winding of thermoplastic prepreg.

[0046] Aspect 14. A bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location, the bearing interface assembly comprising:

[0047] A metal sleeve including a first flange and a second flange, the first flange and the second flange defining a groove therebetween on the outer surface of the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve further including an inner surface defining an orifice configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve and the housing being configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and

[0048] A filament-wound composite overwrap disposed in the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap and the bearing being configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit the expansion of the orifice to the second coefficient of thermal expansion without restricting the expansion of the first flange and the second flange with the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0049] Aspect 15. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 14, wherein the groove defines a dovetail cross-section.

[0050] Aspect 16. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 14, wherein the metal sleeve is made of at least one of aluminum and magnesium.

[0051] Aspect 17. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 16, wherein the filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

[0052] Aspect 18. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 17, wherein:

[0053] The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin;

[0054] The thermosetting resin includes at least one of an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, and a bismaleimide; and

[0055] The thermoplastic resin includes at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone, and polyether ketone.

[0056] Aspect 19. A bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location, the bearing interface assembly comprising:

[0057] A metal sleeve including a first flange and a second flange, the first flange and the second flange defining a groove therebetween on an outer surface of the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve further including an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve and the housing configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and

[0058] A filament-wound composite overwrap disposed in the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap and the bearing configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion without restricting expansion of the first flange and the second flange with the first coefficient of thermal expansion,

[0059] Wherein:

[0060] The metal sleeve is made of at least one of aluminum and magnesium;

[0061] The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of the following: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber; and

[0062] The filament-wound composite overwrap is secured to the outer surface by at least one of dry filament winding, wet filament winding, thermoplastic filament winding, tow winding, external winding of thermosetting prepreg, and external winding of thermoplastic prepreg.

[0063] Aspect 20. The bearing interface assembly according to Aspect 19, wherein:

[0064] The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin;

[0065] The thermosetting resin includes at least one of an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, and a bismaleimide; and

[0066] The thermoplastic resin includes at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, and polyetherketone.

[0067] Further application areas of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings, wherein:

[0069] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an axle housing including two bearing interface assemblies according to the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 2 is an exploded view of one of the bearing interface assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the bearing interface assembly of

[0072] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dovetail groove of one of the bearing interface assemblies of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another bearing interface assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing interface assembly of the present disclosure that defines a slit configured to cooperate with a protrusion at an installation location to limit rotation of the bearing interface assembly;

[0075] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another bearing interface assembly of the present disclosure that defines another slit configured to cooperate with a protrusion to limit rotation of the bearing assembly; and

[0076] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a motor including a bearing interface assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0077] In the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The present disclosure provides a bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different coefficients of thermal expansion of a bearing and a housing at an installation location. The assembly includes a metal sleeve that defines an aperture for the bearing. The metal sleeve is configured to have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing. A filament-wound composite outer wrap is wrapped around the sleeve. The outer wrap is configured to have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion and equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the bearing. The outer wrap extends around the aperture of the metal sleeve to limit thermal expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion that matches the bearing, while a portion of the metal sleeve without the outer wrap expands at the first coefficient of thermal expansion to maintain mating with the housing.

[0079] Figure 1 Shown are two bearing interface assemblies 10A, 10B according to the present disclosure. The bearing interface assemblies 10A, 10B are installed in an exemplary housing 510, which in Figure 1 the example is a housing for a shaft 550 such as an axle. The housing 510 defines an aperture 512 for the shaft 550 to extend through. A longitudinal axis A extends along the axial center of the shaft 550 and the aperture 512. The housing 510 can be made of any suitable material, such as for example aluminum or magnesium. The housing 510 expands at a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the exact rate of which will vary based on the material used for the housing 510.

[0080] The shaft 550 can be any rotating shaft of a vehicle, such as the shaft of an axle, an output shaft, a drive shaft, etc. The present disclosure can also be applied to non-vehicle applications. The shaft 550 can thus be a rotating shaft of any other suitable machine. For example, the shaft 550 can be a rotating shaft of a ship, an aircraft, or a power plant, such as a wind turbine shaft, a hydroelectric turbine shaft, etc.

[0081] The bearing interface assembly 10A provides an interface between a bearing assembly 610A on the shaft 550 and an installation location 520A of the housing 510. The bearing assembly 610A includes an outer bearing race 612 that mates with the bearing interface assembly 10A, an inner bearing race 614 that contacts the shaft 550, and a plurality of ball bearings 620 between the outer bearing race 612 and the inner bearing race 614. The bearing assembly 610A can thus be a ball bearing assembly, or any other suitable type of bearing. The bearing interface assembly 10B provides an interface between a bearing assembly 610B and the housing 510 at a second installation location 520B of the housing 510. The bearing assembly 610B is similar to the bearing assembly 610A. In Figure 1 the example, the bearing assembly 610A is a head bearing, and thus the bearing interface assembly 10A is configured as a head bearing interface. The bearing assembly 610B is configured as a tail bearing, and thus the bearing interface assembly 10B is configured as a tail bearing interface.

[0082] The first mounting location 520A is machined into the housing 510 to include a tapered surface 522. The bearing interface assembly 10A is press-fitted into a circular hole at the bottom (i.e., its innermost region) of the tapered surface 522, which interfaces with the flange 32 to secure the bearing interface assembly 10A at the first mounting location 520A. The flange 34 can be higher than the flange 32 to facilitate holding the assembly 10A at the first mounting location 520A and to accommodate the flange 34 expanding to mate with the housing 510. Similarly, the bearing interface assembly 10B can be press-fitted into the second mounting location 520B and can be otherwise held at the second mounting location 520B using any suitable mechanical interlock in any suitable manner.

[0083] Reference is also made Figure 2 and Figure 3 to, and now the bearing interface assembly 10A will be described in more detail. The bearing interface assembly 10A includes a metal sleeve 20 that defines an aperture 40. When installed at the first mounting location 520A, the shaft 550 extends through the aperture 40. The longitudinal axis A of the shaft 550 extends through the axial center of the aperture 40.

[0084] The metal sleeve 20 includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 opposite the outer surface 22. At the outer surface 22, the metal sleeve 20 defines a groove 30. The groove 30 is located between a first flange 32 and a second flange 34 of the metal sleeve 20. The outer surface 22 of the metal sleeve includes the outer surfaces of the first flange 32 and the second flange 34. The inner surface 24 contacts the outer bearing race 612 of the first bearing assembly 610A. Adjacent to the inner surface 24 is a sidewall 26 of the metal sleeve 20 against which the outer bearing race 612 abuts.

[0085] The metal sleeve 20 can be made of any suitable metallic material, such as aluminum or magnesium, for example. The metal sleeve 20 is typically made of the same material as the material of the housing 510 to provide a metal sleeve having a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is the same as or similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing 510.

[0086] The bearing interface assembly 10A further includes a filament-wound composite overwrap 110. The filament-wound composite overwrap 110 extends around the metal sleeve 20 on the outer surface within the groove 30. The overwrap 110 has a maximum thickness T1 that is less than or equal to the depth of the groove 30 such that the overwrap 110 does not protrude beyond the first flange 32 and the second flange 34. When installed at the first mounting location 520A, the first flange 32 and the second flange 34 contact the housing 510.

[0087] In Figure 3In the example, the groove 30 does not have a uniform depth, and the outer wrap 110 is wound around the metal sleeve 20 at an angle θ1 into the groove 30, which is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and the central axis of the orifice 40. The outer wrap 110 has a non-uniform (non-consistent) thickness, which generally reflects the non-uniform thickness of the outer bearing race 612. Thus, the region of maximum thickness of the outer wrap 110 is opposite the region of maximum thickness of the outer bearing race 612, and the thinnest region of the outer wrap 110 is opposite the thinnest region of the outer bearing race 612. In other applications, such as Figure 1 shown, the groove 30 may have a uniform depth, and thus the outer wrap 110 may have a uniform thickness. Referring to Figure 4 , the groove 30 may have angled sidewalls such that the groove is configured with a dovetail shape in cross-section. The dovetail sidewalls are configured to further secure the outer wrap 110 within the groove 30.

[0088] The filament-wound composite outer wrap 110 is configured to have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal sleeve 20. The second coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to or approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first bearing assembly 610A (likewise, the outer wrap 110 is configured to have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is equal to or approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second bearing assembly 610B). The outer wrap 110 restricts the thermal expansion of the portion of the metal sleeve 20 that is surrounded by the outer wrap 110 (including the orifice 40). Thus, the orifice 40 will expand at the same rate as the first bearing assembly 610A. The outer wrap 110 does not restrict the thermal expansion of the first and second flanges 32, 34, thereby allowing the first and second flanges 32, 34 to expand at the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0089] The filament-wound composite outer wrap 110 includes one or more of the following: carbon fiber; glass fiber; basalt fiber; natural fiber; liquid crystal polymer; and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. The outer wrap 110 also includes a thermosetting material or a thermoplastic material. Exemplary thermosetting materials include, but are not limited to, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide. Exemplary thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyetherketone (PEK). The outer wrap 110 is wound around the metal sleeve 20 within the groove and is secured to the outer surface 22 in any suitable manner, such as by dry or wet filament winding, thermoplastic filament winding, or tow winding. The outer wrap 110 may be cured onto the outer surface 22, which keeps the fibers of the outer wrap 110 in tension after the curing process is complete.

[0090] When the metal sleeve 20 is exposed to heat sufficient to cause the housing 510 and the first bearing assembly 610 to expand, the metal sleeve 20 expands at a first coefficient of thermal expansion to maintain contact with the housing 510. Accordingly, the first flange 32 and the second flange 34 expand outwardly at the same rate as the housing 510. However, the outer wrap 110 restricts the region of the metal sleeve 20 that is externally wrapped with the filament-wound composite outer wrap 110 from expanding at the first coefficient of thermal expansion and instead expands at a second coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer wrap 110. Accordingly, the region of the metal sleeve 20 that is surrounded by the outer wrap 110 (e.g., the orifice 40) expands at the same rate as the first bearing assembly 610A, which prevents any thermal expansion mismatch between the housing 510 and the first bearing assembly 610A to maintain the relative positioning between the metal sleeve and the first bearing assembly 610A. This configuration improves the efficiency of the bearing assembly 610A and reduces the likelihood of noise and vibration problems.

[0091] Figure 5 Another bearing interface assembly 10B according to the present disclosure is shown. Assembly 10B is generally similar to the first bearing interface assembly 10A, and features of assembly 10B that are the same as or similar to features of assembly 10A are identified in the drawings with the same reference numerals. Regarding like features, the description of assembly 10A also applies to assembly 10B. The metal sleeve 20 of the second bearing interface assembly 10B has a shape similar to the metal sleeve 20 of assembly 10A, but the sleeve 20 of assembly 10B is slightly more elongated to correspond to the shape of the housing 510 at the second mounting location 520B. Another difference between assemblies 10A, 10B is that the slot 30 of the bearing interface assembly 10B is slightly deeper. Moreover, the outer surface 22 of the slot 30 of assembly 10B is inclined at an angle θ2 that is greater than the angle θ1 of assembly 10A. Accordingly, the outer wrap 110 of assembly 10B is wound at a steeper angle relative to the longitudinal axis A compared to the angle at which the outer wrap 110 is wound. The outer wrap 110 of assembly 10B is thicker than the outer wrap 110 of assembly 10A to accommodate the thicker outer bearing race 612 of the second bearing assembly 610B.

[0092] Referring Figure 6 , the present disclosure provides another bearing interface assembly 10C that is similar to the bearing interface assembly 10A. Different from assembly 10A, assembly 10C defines a slit 50. The slit 50 is configured to cooperate with any suitable protrusion, knob, etc. at the first mounting location 520A to restrict rotation of assembly 10C. Moreover, the slot 30 of assembly 10C has a uniform depth, and thus the outer wrap 110 has a uniform thickness T3 around the metal sleeve 20.

[0093] Figure 7Shows another bearing interface assembly 10D according to the present disclosure. Assembly 10D is similar to assembly 10B, and thus the same reference numerals are used to identify the same or substantially similar features. Different from assembly 10B, assembly 10D defines a slit 50 that is configured to mate with any suitable protrusion, spherical protrusion, etc. of the second mounting location 520B to prevent rotation of assembly 10D when assembly 10D is mounted at the second mounting location 520B. Similarly, the groove 30 of assembly 10D has a uniform depth, and thus the outer wrap 110 has a uniform thickness T4 around the metal sleeve 20. The thickness T4 of the outer wrap 110 is greater than Figure 5 the thickness T3.

[0094] In addition to preventing rotation, the slit 50 also facilitates the installation of assemblies 10C and 10D. The slit 50 is configured to allow the metal of the metal sleeve 20 to bend slightly and allow the bearing assemblies 610A, 610B to slide fit into the metal sleeve 20 before applying the outer wrap 110. When the bearing assemblies 610A, 610B are placed into the metal sleeve 20, the flange of the metal sleeve 20 bends, allowing the bearing assemblies 610A, 610B to be easily pushed into the metal sleeve 20. The metal sleeve 20 is then wrapped with the outer wrap 110, and the bearing assemblies 610A, 610B are locked in place by the pressure applied inwardly through the composite outer wrap 110.

[0095] Figure 8 Shows another application of the bearing interface assemblies 10A - 10D of the present disclosure. Figure 8 Shows an exemplary motor 710 including an output shaft 712 and a drive shaft 714. The output shaft 712 is connected to the drive shaft 714 through any suitable gear reducer 720. The output shaft 712 extends through two bearing interface assemblies in the bearing interface assembly 10A. The drive shaft 714 extends through three bearing interface assemblies in the bearing interface assembly 10A. Although Figure 7 shows the motor 710 including the bearing interface assembly 10A, any other bearing interface assemblies 10B - 10D may be included instead of or in addition to assembly 10A.

[0096] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Thus, while the disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon study of the drawings, the specification, and the appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method can be executed in a different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the disclosure. Further, although each of the embodiments described above is characterized as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the disclosure can be implemented in and / or combined with the features of any of the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described as such. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more of the embodiments with each other remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0097] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled / joined," "adjacent," "next to," "on top," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when the relationship between a first and a second element is described in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0098] In the drawings, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by the arrowhead, generally represents the flow of information of interest being illustrated (e.g., data or instructions). For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information sent from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow can point from element A to element B. This one-way arrow does not imply that no other information is sent from element B to element A. Further, for information sent from element A to element B, element B can send a request for that information or an acknowledgment of receipt of that information to element A.

Claims

1. A bearing interface assembly configured to accommodate different thermal expansion rates of a bearing and a housing at an installation location, the bearing interface assembly comprising: A metal sleeve including an outer surface defining a groove and an inner surface defining an aperture configured to mate with the bearing, the metal sleeve configured to expand with a first coefficient of thermal expansion; And A filament-wound composite overwrap disposed within the groove of the metal sleeve, the filament-wound composite overwrap configured to expand with a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion to limit expansion of the aperture to the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

2. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the housing coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing at the installation location; and The second coefficient of thermal expansion is equal to the bearing coefficient of thermal expansion of the bearing.

3. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The metal sleeve is restricted within the groove to allow regions of the metal sleeve on opposite sides of the groove to expand with the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

4. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The groove is defined by a first flange and a second flange, the second flange being longer than the first flange.

5. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The filament-wound composite overwrap is recessed within the groove below the outermost portion of the outer surface.

6. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The metal sleeve is made of aluminum.

7. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The metal sleeve is made of magnesium.

8. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of: carbon fiber, glass fiber, basalt fiber, natural fiber, liquid crystal polymer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

9. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The filament-wound composite overwrap includes at least one of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin; The thermosetting resin includes at least one of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, and bismaleimide; and The thermoplastic resin includes at least one of polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, and polyetherketone.

10. The bearing interface assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The metal sleeve defines a slit configured to mate with a protrusion at the installation location to limit rotation of the metal sleeve.

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