Adjustable Fluid Dynamic Bearing Gap via Bolt Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dynamic bearings require complex and time-consuming machining processes to achieve precise micrometer-scale gaps, which are difficult to adjust, leading to increased processing time and reduced accuracy due to thermal expansion in linear transfer machines.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dynamic bearing structure comprising plate-like members with adjustable bolt insertion holes and tap holes allows for the adjustment of the bearing gap by varying the positional relationship of bolts, enabling easier assembly and reduced processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining processes are used to form micrometer-scale bearing gaps, then bearing rigidity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is divided into multiple plate-like members that can be processed independently with standard machining tolerances, then assembled together to form the complete bearing. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured with easier tolerances while achieving the precise overall bearing gap through the modular assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adjustable bearing gaps that can be dynamically modified after assembly by changing the position of adjustment members. This dynamic adjustability replaces the need for extremely precise static machining, allowing the bearing gap to be optimized post-assembly without requiring micrometer-scale machining precision during manufacturing.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining processes are used to form micrometer-scale bearing gaps, then bearing rigidity is improved, but processing time increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into multiple plate-like members that can be manufactured in parallel using standard machining processes with normal tolerances. This eliminates the need for sequential, time-consuming precision machining of single complex parts, significantly reducing total processing time while maintaining the required bearing gap precision through assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-like members are pre-processed with standard machining tolerances before final assembly. This preliminary processing allows most of the bearing structure to be manufactured quickly with conventional methods, reserving only the final assembly and adjustment steps for precision work, thereby dramatically reducing overall manufacturing time.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed bearing gap design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to thermal changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing gap is designed to be dynamically adjustable through adjustment members that can be repositioned along the plate-like members. This dynamic design allows the bearing to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining optimal performance under varying temperature conditions while still being manufacturable with standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables change in the bearing gap parameter after manufacturing by adjusting the position of adjustment members. This parameter adjustability compensates for thermal effects and allows optimization for different operating conditions, transforming a static manufacturing problem into a dynamic solution that adapts to environmental changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt insertion hole is provided along an edge end portion on a flat surface of a plate-like member, and a tap hole is provided on an end face of the other edge end correspondingly to the bolt insertion hole. A bolt is inserted into the bolt insertion hole and screwed with the tap hole, and a box bearing is formed by means of four plate-like members joined together. The diameter of the bolt insertion hole is made larger than the diameter of the bolt. By changing the insertion position of the bolt with respect to the bolt insertion hole, the distance of a bearing gap inside the bearing, which is formed into the shape of a box, can be adjusted.