Grooved bearing support

Abstract

A system and method for a radial bearing support comprises a mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing, with the bearing support being configured to interface with a race of a bearing.

Description

Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application GROOVED BEARING SUPPORT CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.63 / 671,873 filed July 16, 2024, entitled “GROOVED BEARING SUPPORT.” U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 671,873 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments are generally related to bearing and race assemblies. Embodiments are related to bearing supports. Embodiments are further related to turbomachinery. Embodiments are also related to fabrication techniques. Embodiments are further related to manufacturing methods and processes. Embodiments are directed to grooved bearing supports configured to provide compliant structures to package radially above a bearing. BACKGROUND

[0003] Bearings are ubiquitous, with applications in essentially every modern technology. In particular, physical systems that involve spinning or rotating parts make use of bearings to facilitate motion.

[0004] Bearings can be used to provide free linear movement or rotation around an axis. Bearings are often designed to reduce friction between moving parts so that the associated parts can move at high speed, or with high rotational velocity.

[0005] One exemplary application of bearings is in turbomachinery. Turbomachinery can be understood to include devices that transfer energy between a fluid and rotor. Turbines are an example of turbomachinery that transfers energy from a fluid to a rotor, facilitated byAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application bearings that minimize friction to improve efficiency of the energy transfer.

[0006] Bearings in turbomachinery may require compliant (as opposed to extremely rigid) supports. It is often desirable to target an exact stiffness range for favorable and predictable rotordynamic solutions. Current solutions to this constraint may include varying material composition, component geometry, or both.

[0007] However, by adopting certain component geometry or using certain materials, the form factor for such bearing supports is limited. For example, it would be advantageous to have a more compact bearing / housing combination. By reducing the size of the bearing and housing, smaller sumps would be possible, which in turn would allow for a smaller and lighter engine. Smaller and lighter engines would dramatically advance turbomachinery used for flight, as well as numerous other portable applications. Reducing weight in flight hardware can support increased range and / or reduced fuel consumption. This can be done by making up the difference in weight with fuel, flying with less drag, etc.

[0008] Likewise, even in applications where size is less critical, (e.g. larger, more stationary applications) there is a need to reduce the physical envelope required for the sump which can open space for further improved design options.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved bearing supports, as disclosed in the embodiments herein.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0011] It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide improved bearing supports.

[0012] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide grooved bearing supports.

[0013] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide manufacturing methods for bearing supports.

[0014] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide compliant grooved bearing supports.

[0015] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide methods and systems associated with bearing supports with a desired level of compliance.

[0016] It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide methods and systems for controlling design parameters of bearing supports to provide the desired level of compliance.

[0017] It is yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide grooved bearing supports with support arms packaged radially above a bearing.

[0018] For example, in an embodiment, a bearing support comprises a mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing. In an embodiment, the outer support ring is attached to a top surface of the mounting flange. In an embodiment, theAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application outer support ring is nomically perpendicular to the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm further comprises a support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, the support arm body is curved. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and inner housing comprises four support arms.

[0019] In an embodiment, a bearing support comprises a mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing. In an embodiment, the outer support ring is attached to a top surface of the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the outer support ring is nominally perpendicular to the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm further comprises a support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, each of the at least one support arm bodies is curved. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and inner housing comprises four support arms. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a damper material disposed in grooves formed between the at least one support arm, outer support ring, and inner housing. In an embodiment, the damper material comprises epoxy. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a snubber formed on each of the at least one support arms. In an embodiment, each snubber comprises a first snubber arm, a second snubber arm, and a snubber bridge connecting the first snubber arm and second snubber arm.

[0020] In an embodiment a system comprising a bearing support comprising an outer support ring, an inner housing configured to accept a bearing’s outer race, and a plurality of support arms connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing. In an embodiment,Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application the system further comprises a mounting flange configured to be connected to the outer support ring wherein the mounting flange is nominally perpendicular to the outer support ring. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of support arms further comprises a support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of support arms further comprise a support arm body, an outer mounting block connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting block connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, the plurality of support arms further comprise a plurality of substantially straight support arms which intersect the outer support ring at an angle other than 90 degrees and intersect the inner housing at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0021] In an embodiment, a bearing support comprises a mounting flange, a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to a top surface of the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing, each of the at least one support arms comprising a curved support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] FIG.1 depicts an axial view of a bearing support, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a bearing support, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts an axial view of a bearing support with a damping material, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0026] FIG.4 depicts an axial view of a bearing support with snubbers, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0027] FIG.5A depicts an isometric view of a bearing support heat map showing stress, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 5B depicts another isometric view of a bearing support heat map showing stress, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0029] FIG.6 depicts steps associated with a method for manufacturing a bearing support in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of a bearing support, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of a bearing support, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; andAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application

[0032] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of a crosshair bearing support, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The particular values and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0034] Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. ItAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0038] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0039] It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0040] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

[0041] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive orAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0042] The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0043] All of the compositions and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a bearing supports and methods for manufacturing the same. The disclosed bearing supports may have an elongated s-shape (or zig-zagged) groove to allow for compliance between the bearing mounting surface and the overall support structure. The support arms allow the compliant structure to package radially above the bearing. The disclosed bearing supports can be tailored to an application with the desired compliance by controlling design parameters, which can include web thickness, groove length, arm thickness, and number of arms, among other parameters. These parameters can be selected to achieve an overall desired stiffness target while maintaining reasonable stress values.

[0045] The geometrically simple design of associated support arms and cutouts alsoAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application provide a favorable manufacturing solution which can be realized with additive manufacturing, traditional milling, nonconventional processes such as electrical discharge machining (EDM), and post-processing. Embodiments may be particularly advantageous where part manufacture is achieved with additive manufacturing techniques.

[0046] FIG. 1 provides an axial view of a bearing support 100, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The bearing support 100 comprises a mounting flange 105. The mounting flange can comprise a ring shaped disc configured to operably engage a static support structure via at least one of a plurality of mounting flange mounting holes 110. The mounting flange 105 may have a generally flat top surface 120 and lower surface 125, although other configurations are possible according to the static support structure to which the mounting flange 105 is mounted. The radius of the mounting flange 105 can be selected according to the associated application.

[0047] The mounting flange 105 is connected to a nominally perpendicular outer support ring 115. The outer support ring 115 extends perpendicularly away from a top surface 120 of the mounting flange 105. The inner diameter 116 of the outer support ring 115 can nominally match that of the inner diameter of the mounting flange 105. The width 117 of the outer support ring 115, can be selected, as with other components further detailed herein, to control the compliance of the bearing support 100.

[0048] The bearing support 100 further comprises an inner housing 130 configured for an associated bearing’s outer race. The inner housing 130 diameter 131 can be selected to properly interface with the associated bearing outer race.

[0049] The inner housing 130 is connected to the outer support ring 115 with a plurality of support arms. FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary bearing support 100 comprising four support arms; first support arm 135, second support arm 140, third support arm 145, and fourth support arm 150. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, different numbers of support arms can be provided. The number of support arms can be selected to achieve the desired stiffness target.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application

[0050] The support arms are configured to be radial, in the sense that the curved support arms can generally comprise a curved support arm body, with the curvature selected to concentrically fit between the outer support ring 115 and inner housing 130. The support arms further comprise an outer mounting wedge connecting the support arm to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connecting the support arm to the inner housing 130.

[0051] The first support arm 135 can comprise a first support arm body 136, a first outer mounting wedge 138, and a first inner mounting wedge 137. The first support arm body 136 can be affixed to the outer mounting wedge 138, which comprises a tapered body, which is thicker at the point of connection to the outer support ring 115, and which is thinner at the connection to the first support arm body 136. The first support arm body 136 is affixed to the first inner mounting wedge 137 which is thicker at the point of connection to the inner housing 130, and which is thinner at the connection to the first support arm body 136.

[0052] The second support arm 140 can comprise a second support arm body 141, a second outer mounting wedge 142, and a second inner mounting wedge 143. The second support arm body 141 can be affixed to the outer mounting wedge 142, which comprises a tapered body, which is thicker at the point of connection to the outer support ring 115, and which is thinner at the connection to the second support arm body 141. The second support arm body 141 is affixed to the second inner mounting wedge 143 which is thicker at the point of connection to the inner housing 130, and which is thinner at the connection to the second support arm body 141.

[0053] The third support arm 145 can comprise a third support arm body 146, a third outer mounting wedge 147, and a third inner mounting wedge 148. The third support arm body 146 can be affixed to the outer mounting wedge 147, which comprises a tapered body, which is thicker at the point of connection to the outer support ring 115, and which is thinner at the connection to the third support arm body 146. The third support arm body 146 is affixed to the third inner mounting wedge 148, which is thicker at the point of connection to the inner housing 130, and which is thinner at the connection to the third support arm body 146.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application

[0054] The fourth support arm 150 can comprise a fourth support arm body 151, a fourth outer mounting wedge 152, and a fourth inner mounting wedge 153. The fourth support arm body 151 can be affixed to the outer mounting wedge 152, which comprises a tapered body, which is thicker at the point of connection to the outer support ring 115, and which is thinner at the connection to the fourth support arm body 151. The fourth support arm body 151 is affixed to the fourth inner mounting wedge 153, which is thicker at the point of connection to the inner housing 130, and which is thinner at the connection to the fourth support arm body 151.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the bearing support 100. In this view, the relative depth of the outer supporting ring 115, inner housing 130, and support arms is visible. In certain embodiments, design parameters can be modified to control the compliance of the bearing support. These parameters can include web thickness, the effective length of the support arms, and associated grooves formed between the support arms and the outer supporting ring 115 and / or inner housing 130, arm thickness, number of arms, and the like.

[0056] FIG.3 illustrates another embodiment of a bearing support 100 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The embodiment illustrated in FIG.3 includes a damper material 305 disposed in the webs 310 formed by grooves 315 formed between support arms and the outer support ring 115, as well as between the support arms and inner housing 130.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the damper material 305 can comprise epoxy, or other such materials, that can fill the grooves 315. The damper material 305 can provide dampening, but should also be selected to avoid unwanted stiffness, particularly for applications requiring stability.

[0058] FIG.4 illustrates another embodiment of a bearing support 100 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The embodiment illustrated in FIG.4 includes a snubber formed on each of the support arms, specifically, snubber 405 configured on support arm 135, snubber 410 configured on support arm 150, snubber 415 configured on support arm 145, and snubber 420 configured on support arm 140.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application

[0059] Each of the respective snubbers can comprise a “U” shaped body 450 attached to the respective support arm at the first snubber arm 455 and the second snubber arm 460, is illustrated in the exploded view provided in FIG. 4. The first snubber arm 455 and second snubber arm 460 are attached by the snubber bridge 465 between the respective arms. In operation, the snubbers lend structural support to prevent the support arms from collapsing toward the center of the bearing support 100.

[0060] FIG.5A and FIG.5B depict isometrics view of a bearing support heat map showing stress experienced in the bearing support 100, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for manufacturing a bearing support, such as bearing support 100, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The method starts at 605.

[0062] For certain applications, a relatively less rigid bearing support is preferrable. For example, for a roto spinning at 50,000 RPMS, if the bearing support is too rigid, it may cause the rotor to bend in an undesirable way. Thus, at step 610 the desired stiffness for the part based on the associated application, can be identified. Likewise, at step 615 the acceptable stress value for the part according to the associated application, can be identified. In certain embodiments, software can be used to predict rotor shape as an aspect of completing steps 610 and 615. It should be understood, in other embodiments, the order in which step 610, and step 615 are completed can be reversed, or the steps can be completed simultaneously.

[0063] Once the desired compliance of the bearing support is determined, at step 620 the design parameters of the bearing support can be selected. In certain embodiments, the design parameters used to control the stiffness (or compliance) of the bearing support can include thickness of the support arms and the resulting web, length of the grooves formed between the support arms and supporting structure of the bearing support, support arm length, support arm thickness, number of support arms, material of the bearing support, and other such parameters.Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application

[0064] At step 625, the part can be manufactured to the specifications established at step 620 so that the resulting bearing support has the desired stiffness. It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, additive manufacturing can be used to manufacture the part. In other embodiments, other manufacturing processes can be used. The method ends at step 630.

[0065] FIG.7 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of a bearing support 700, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The bearing support 700 can include a mounting flange as illustrated in FIG.1, but the mounting flange is not illustrated in FIG.7.

[0066] The bearing support 700 can comprise an outer support ring 715. The outer support ring 715 is configured to extend perpendicularly away from the mounting flange. The width of the outer support ring 715, is selected, as with other components further detailed herein, to control the compliance of the bearing support 700.

[0067] The bearing support 700 further comprises an inner housing 730 configured for an associated bearing’s outer race. The inner housing 730 diameter can be selected to properly interface with the associated bearing outer race.

[0068] The inner housing 730 is connected to the outer support ring 715 with a plurality of support arms. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the bearing support 700 comprising four support arms; first support arm 735, second support arm 740, third support arm 745, and fourth support arm 750. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, different numbers of support arms can be provided. The number of support arms can be selected to achieve the desired stiffness target.

[0069] The support arms are configured to be curved and radial, in the sense that the curved support arms can generally comprise a curved support arm body, with the curvature selected to concentrically fit between the outer support ring and inner housing. The support arms further comprise an outer mounting block connecting the support arm to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting block connecting the support arm to the inner housing. The inner mounting block from one of the support arms can be configured to be proximate toAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application the adjacent outer mounting block of the next support arm. In certain embodiments, the inner mounting block and adjacent outer mounting block can be configured to partially overlap.

[0070] The first support arm 735 can comprise a first support arm body 736, a first outer mounting block 737, and a first inner mounting block 738. The first support arm body 736 can be affixed to the outer mounting block 737, which comprises a block shaped body. The first support arm body 736 is affixed to the first inner mounting block 738 which is also block shaped.

[0071] The second support arm 740 can comprise a second support arm body 741, a second outer mounting block 742, and a second inner mounting block 743. The second support arm body 741 can be affixed to the outer mounting block 742, which comprises a block shaped body. The second support arm body 741 is affixed to the second inner mounting block 743 which is also block shaped.

[0072] The third support arm 745 can comprise a third support arm body 746, a third outer mounting block 747, and a third inner mounting block 748. The third support arm body 746 can be affixed to the outer mounting block 747, which comprises a block shaped body. The third support arm body 746 is affixed to the third inner mounting block 748 which is also block shaped.

[0073] The fourth support arm 750 can comprise a fourth support arm body 751, a fourth outer mounting block 752, and a fourth inner mounting block 753. The fourth support arm body 751 can be affixed to the outer mounting block 752, which comprises a block shaped body. The fourth support arm body 751 is affixed to the fourth inner mounting block 753 which is also block shaped.

[0074] FIG.8 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of a bearing support 800, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The bearing support 800 can include a mounting flange as illustrated in FIG.1, but the mounting flange is not illustrated in FIG.8.

[0075] The bearing support 800 comprises an outer support ring 815. The outer supportAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application ring 815 is configured to extend perpendicularly away from the mounting flange. The width of the outer support ring 815 is selected, as with other components further detailed herein, to control the compliance of the bearing support 800. The bearing support 800 further comprises an inner housing 830 configured for an associated bearing’s outer race. The inner housing 830 diameter can be selected to properly interface with the associated bearing outer race.

[0076] The inner housing 830 is connected to the outer support ring 815 with a plurality of angled support arms 805. The angled support arms can be substantially straight, but are angled in the sense that they intersect the outer support ring 815, and the inner housing 830 at an angle other than 90 degrees. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, different numbers of angled support arms 805 can be provided. The number of support arms 805 can be selected to achieve the desired stiffness target. Each of the respective angled support arms 805 can comprise an angled inner mount 810, and a straight support body 820.

[0077] FIG. 9 provides an isometric view of another embodiment of a crosshair bearing support 900, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The crosshair bearing support 900 can include a mounting flange as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the mounting flange is not illustrated in FIG.9.

[0078] The crosshair bearing support 900 comprises an outer support ring 915. The outer support ring 915 is configured to extend perpendicularly away from the mounting flange. The width of the outer support ring 915 is selected, as with other components further detailed herein, to control the compliance of the crosshair bearing support 900. The crosshair bearing support 900 further comprises an inner housing 930 configured for an associated bearing’s outer race. The inner housing 930 diameter can be selected to properly interface with the associated bearing outer race.

[0079] The inner housing 930 is connected to the outer support ring 915 with a crosshair base assembly 905. The crosshair base assembly 905 can comprise the inner housing 930 which can further comprise an inner cylinder 910 and an outer cylinder 920. The inner cylinder 910 is connected to the outer cylinder 920 on one side with a first inner connectingAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application arm 935, and on the substantially opposing side of the inner cylinder 910, with a second inner connecting arm 936. The first inner connecting arm 935 and second inner connecting arm 936 are arranged such that they are in the same plane, i.e., a fictitious straight line would connect the respective inner connecting arms if it passed through a point at the center of the inner cylinder 910.

[0080] The outer support ring 915 is further connected to the outer cylinder 920 on one side with a first outer connecting arm 940, and on the substantially opposing side of the outer support ring 915, with a second outer connecting arm 941. The first outer connecting arm 940 and second outer connecting arm 941 are arranged such that they are in the same plane, i.e., a fictitious straight line would connect the respective outer connecting arms if it passed through a point at the center of the inner housing. the first outer connecting arm 940 and second outer connecting arm 941 can be configured such that they oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first inner connecting arm 935 and second inner connecting arm 936.

[0081] An aspect of the embodiments provided herein is that they allow the line of action of the load to be directly in-line with the mounting flange (where traditional squirrel cages rely on the bending moment from the mount to the bearing location, making moment stiffness and radial stiffness inherently linked). The disclosed embodiments reduce this dependency which allows greater design space when targeting both a particular moment stiffness and radial stiffness since one can be adjusted without largely influencing the other.

[0082] Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number of embodiments, preferred and alternative, are disclosed herein.

[0083] In an embodiment, a bearing support comprises a mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing. In an embodiment, the outer support ring is attached to a top surface of the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the outer support ring is nominally perpendicular to the mounting flange. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange. In anAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application embodiment, the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm further comprises a support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, each of the at least one support arm bodies is curved. In an embodiment, the at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and inner housing comprises four support arms. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a damper material disposed in grooves formed between the at least one support arm, outer support ring, and inner housing. In an embodiment, the damper material comprises epoxy. In an embodiment, the bearing support further comprises a snubber formed on each of the at least one support arms. In an embodiment, each snubber comprises a first snubber arm, a second snubber arm, and a snubber bridge connecting the first snubber arm and second snubber arm.

[0084] In an embodiment a system comprising a bearing support comprising an outer support ring, an inner housing configured to accept a bearing’s outer race, and a plurality of support arms connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a mounting flange configured to be connected to the outer support ring wherein the mounting flange is nominally perpendicular to the outer support ring. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of support arms further comprises a support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of support arms further comprise a support arm body, an outer mounting block connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting block connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, the plurality of support arms further comprise a plurality of substantially straight support arms which intersect the outer support ring at an angle other than 90 degrees and intersect the inner housing at an angle other than 90 degrees. , In an embodiment, a bearing support comprises a mounting flange, a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange, an outer support ring attached to a top surface of the mounting flange, an inner housing, and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring andAttorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application the inner housing, each of the at least one support arms comprising a curved support arm body, an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring, and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing. In an embodiment, the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race.

[0085] It should be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It should be understood that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A bearing support comprising: a mounting flange; an outer support ring attached to the mounting flange; an inner housing; and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing.

2. The bearing support of claim 1 wherein the outer support ring is attached to a top surface of the mounting flange.

3. The bearing support of claim 2 wherein the outer support ring is nominally perpendicular to the mounting flange.

4. The bearing support of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange.

5. The bearing support of claim 1 wherein the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race.

6. The bearing support of claim 1 wherein the at least one support arm further comprises: a support arm body; an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring; and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing.

7. The bearing support of claim 6 wherein each of the at least one support arm bodies is curved.

8. The bearing support of claim 1 wherein the at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and inner housing comprises:Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application four support arms.

9. The bearing support of claim 1 further comprising: a damper material disposed in grooves formed between the at least one support arm, outer support ring, and inner housing.

10. The bearing support of claim 9 wherein the damper material comprises epoxy.

11. The bearing support of claim 1 further comprising: a snubber formed on each of the at least one support arms.

12. The bearing support of claim 11 wherein each snubber comprises: a first snubber arm; a second snubber arm; and a snubber bridge connecting the first snubber arm and second snubber arm.

13. A system comprising: a bearing support comprising: an outer support ring; an inner housing configured to accept a bearing’s outer race; and a plurality of support arms connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising: a mounting flange configured to be connected to the outer support ring wherein the mounting flange is nominally perpendicular to the outer support ring.

15. The system of claim 14 further comprising: a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of support arms further comprises:Attorney Docket No. BEEHI-1034PCT Patent Application a support arm body; an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring; and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing.

17. The system of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of support arms further comprises: a support arm body; an outer mounting block connected to the outer support ring; and an inner mounting block connected to the inner housing.

18. The system of claim 13 wherein the plurality of support arms further comprise: a plurality of substantially straight support arms which intersect the outer support ring at an angle other than 90 degrees and intersect the inner housing at an angle other than 90 degrees.

19. A bearing support comprising: a mounting flange; a plurality of mounting holes in the mounting flange; an outer support ring attached to a top surface of the mounting flange; an inner housing; and at least one support arm connecting the outer support ring and the inner housing, each of the at least one support arms comprising: a curved support arm body; an outer mounting wedge connected to the outer support ring; and an inner mounting wedge connected to the inner housing.

20. The bearing support of claim 19 wherein the inner housing is further configured to accept a bearing’s outer race.

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