Aluminum Alloy Intermediate Layer for Sliding Bearing Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plain bearing elements with aluminum-based intermediate layers suffer from material deformation under high loads, leading to the displacement and potential failure of the bearing metal and intermediate layers due to insufficient fatigue strength and adhesion to the steel support layer.

Innovation Solution

The use of an aluminum alloy intermediate layer with specific compositions, including 3.5-4.5 weight % copper, 0.1-1.5 weight % manganese, and 0.1-1.5 weight % magnesium, adjusted for hardness through roll plating and heat treatment, provides enhanced adhesion and formability, reducing material displacement and improving durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an aluminum-based intermediate layer is used to improve adhesion to the steel support layer, then adhesion is improved, but the layer deforms and displaces under high specific loads during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidmaterial displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the chemical composition of the aluminum alloy intermediate layer (specific Cu, Mn, and Mg content ranges) and adjusting hardness through heat treatment to achieve optimal balance between adhesion and resistance to material displacement under load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material approach by creating a multi-layer structure with a steel support layer and an aluminum-based intermediate layer with specific alloy composition, combining the high strength of steel with the formability and adhesion properties of aluminum alloy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the hardness of the intermediate layer is increased to improve fatigue strength, then fatigue strength is improved, but the formability decreases making it difficult to compensate for edge bearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefatigue strengthVSAvoidformability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing material parameters - selecting specific alloying element concentrations (Cu: 3-7 wt%, Mn: 0.5-2 wt%, Mg: 0.5-2 wt%) and controlling hardness within a specific range (50-75 HV) to achieve both adequate fatigue strength and sufficient formability for edge bearing compensation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution significantly reduces the risk of material displacement and enhances the fatigue strength and durability of the bearing by maintaining a strong bond with the steel support layer and ensuring the intermediate layer's material is only slightly pressed out during deformation, thereby extending the bearing's operational life.

Implementation Method 1

The hardness of the intermediate layer formed in this manner is adjusted to a value of approximately 68 HV 0.5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

the intermediate layer 22 begins to flow in an axial direction (similar to roll plating) and is pressed out of the bearing beyond the axial end face 26

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8771838B2Sliding bearing element comprising a lead-free aluminum bearing metal layer
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 FEDERAL MOGUL WIESBADEN GMBH & CO KG
  • US8771838B2 patent drawing
  • US8771838B2 patent drawing
  • US8771838B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding bearing element comprising a supporting layer, an aluminum alloy-based intermediate layer, and an aluminum alloy-based bearing metal layer. The aluminum alloy composition of the intermediate layer includes at least the following components in percent by weight: 3.5 to 4.5 of copper; 0.1 to 1.5% of manganese; 0.1 to 1.5% of magnesium; and 0.1 to 1.0% of silicon.