Adhesive-Recess Thrust Washer Assembly for Flanged Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flanged bearing assemblies face challenges such as complex assembly processes, high manufacturing costs, and increased stiffness due to the use of clips or tangs for engaging thrust washers with bearing shells, leading to issues like incorrect assembly, detachment during handling, and reduced flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The use of a sliding element component with recesses for receiving an adhesive, which provides a flexible coupling between the thrust washer and bearing shell, eliminating the need for precision-machined clips and tangs, and allowing for a simpler, more cost-effective assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips or tangs are used to engage thrust washers with bearing shells, then the thrust washers are mechanically secured, but the assembly process becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust washer retentionVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the complex mechanical engagement features (clips and tangs) from the bearing assembly, replacing them with a simpler adhesive bonding system. This eliminates the need for precision-machined interlocking features while maintaining thrust washer retention through adhesive application on the bearing shell inner surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical engagement system (clips and tangs requiring precision fitting and assembly) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). This substitution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocking while maintaining the functional requirement of securing thrust washers to the bearing shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If precision-machined clips and tangs are used, then mechanical engagement is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical engagementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive precision-machined metal clips and tangs with a more economical adhesive bonding solution. The adhesive provides sufficient mechanical engagement for the application while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex metalworking operations and precision fitting procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes the costly mechanical engagement system with a chemical bonding approach, replacing precision-machined components with a simpler adhesive application process that achieves the same functional outcome at lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If clips or tangs are used for engagement, then structural connection is provided, but flexibility of the assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the bonding mechanism from rigid mechanical interlocking to flexible adhesive bonding. The adhesive provides sufficient connection strength while allowing for thermal expansion, machining tolerances, and assembly variations, thereby maintaining both structural integrity and assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If mechanical engagement features are used, then assembly is secured, but assembly errors increase due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly securityVSAvoidassembly accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the complex mechanical engagement features that cause assembly errors, replacing them with a simpler adhesive bonding process. This extraction of complexity eliminates the need for precise alignment and fitting of multiple mechanical components, thereby reducing assembly errors while maintaining assembly security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, enhances flexibility, and minimizes assembly errors, while maintaining the thrust washers in place during handling and installation, without compromising performance under torque loads.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding element component is coupleable to a further sliding element component by an adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3464917B1Sliding element component comprising at least one recess for receiving an adhesive

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 MAHLE INT GMBH

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AI summary

A sliding element component for sliding engagement with a rotatable component, the sliding element component being coupleable to a further sliding element component by an adhesive. The sliding element component comprises an engagement surface for engagement with a corresponding engagement surface on the further sliding element component and the engagement surface of the sliding element component comprises at least one recess for receiving an adhesive. A thrust washer, a flanged bearing assembly and a method of assembling a flanged bearing assembly are also provided.