Aerodynamic Bearing Recess Depth Steps for High-Speed Shaft Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic bearings face challenges in achieving high speeds and stability due to the difficulty in manufacturing recesses with varying depths using conventional methods, particularly for turbocompressors, which require uniform and resilient air cushion maintenance at high loads.
Innovation Solution
The aerodynamic bearing features recesses with a discrete depth profile limited to a predetermined number of depth levels, allowing for easier manufacturing and optimized pressure distribution, using a herringbone pattern with varying depth levels and transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional manufacturing methods (such as lasers) are used to create recesses with continuous varying depth profiles, then the bearing can achieve high speeds and stability, but the manufacturing effort and complexity increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous depth profile is segmented into a finite number of discrete depth levels. Instead of creating a smooth continuous variation in recess depth, the patent divides the depth variation into distinct steps (e.g., 3-12 depth levels), making the manufacturing process simpler while still achieving the desired aerodynamic performance at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of depth profile continuity to discrete steps. By transforming the continuous depth variation into discrete depth levels, the manufacturing complexity is reduced significantly while maintaining the functional benefit of varying depth for high-speed operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If recesses with varying depth are created to maintain uniform air cushion at high speeds, then bearing stability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The depth profile is segmented into discrete levels rather than requiring continuous precision. This segmentation allows each depth level to be manufactured with standard precision tolerances, avoiding the need for extremely high precision continuous depth control while still achieving uniform air cushion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the depth profile from a continuous parameter requiring high precision control to a discrete parameter with finite levels. This parameter transformation reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the stability benefits of varying depth.
3Reliability
If a continuous depth profile is used for optimal pressure distribution, then bearing performance is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal continuous depth profile is segmented into a finite number of discrete depth levels (e.g., 3-12 levels). This segmentation approximates the optimal profile while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process, making the bearing more reliable and cost-effective without requiring complex continuous depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the continuous depth profile into discrete depth levels. This change maintains the essential pressure distribution optimization benefits while reducing manufacturing process complexity and associated costs.
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 approach enables efficient and stable operation at high speeds by simplifying production and ensuring optimal pressure distribution, even under asymmetric loads.
Implementation Method 1
an air cushion or gas cushion for aerodynamic support can be generated between the bearing parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an aerodynamic bearing (1) for the axial and/or radial support of a shaft (2) for a turbocompressor extending along a rotational axis (A), wherein the aerodynamic bearing (1) comprises a first bearing part (10) which can be designated as a rotor and a second bearing part (20) which can be designated as a stator, relative to which the first bearing part (10) is rotatable about the rotational axis (A), wherein the first bearing part (10) and/or the second bearing part (20) has a bearing surface (11, 21) facing the respective other bearing part (10, 20), on which an air cushion (3) for aerodynamic support can be generated between the bearing parts (10, 20), wherein the bearing surface (11, 21) has a plurality of recesses (12), each of which follows a predetermined longitudinal profile (13) on the bearing surface (11, 21) and is arranged in a predetermined pattern, wherein the recesses (12) are provided along their respective longitudinal extent (13) on the bearing surface (11,21) each have a varying depth (T) which is determined by a depth profile (30) limited to a predetermined number of depth levels (31, 32, 33, 34),