Arcuate Fluid Bearing Support for Shaft Tilt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles equipped with traditional internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently transporting heavy loads due to the size and power requirements of these engines, and there is a need for innovative engine configurations that can generate electric power for extended range operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of closed-cycle engines with fluid bearings, which utilize inert gases like helium and a heater body to generate thermal energy, coupled with a chiller assembly and control systems to manage temperature differentials, enabling efficient power generation and reduced mechanical misalignment through a bearing assembly with an arcuate profile support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional internal combustion engines are used to provide enough power for heavy loads, then the vehicle can transport heavy cargo, but the engine size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical internal combustion engines with a linear electric machine that uses electromagnetic forces to directly drive the piston assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission systems and reducing overall engine size while maintaining high power output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The engine is divided into multiple independent piston assemblies (first and second piston assemblies) that can operate independently within the same chamber, allowing the system to generate high power through parallel operation of multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single large engine
2Productivity
If closed-cycle engines with fluid bearings are used to generate electric power, then power generation efficiency increases, but mechanical misalignment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support is designed with an arcuate (curved) profile instead of a flat surface, allowing the fluid bearing to tilt and self-align with the shaft during operation, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances and maintains proper alignment while enabling high-speed rotation for efficient power generation
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid bearing is introduced as an intermediary between the shaft and the bearing support, using fluid pressure to maintain the shaft in proper alignment while allowing for thermal expansion and operational tilting, thus preventing direct mechanical contact and misalignment issues
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 configuration enhances power generation efficiency and reduces mechanical stress on the shaft, allowing vehicles to handle heavy loads while maintaining alignment and reducing operational inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing assembly with an arcuate profile support surface configured to support a shaft of the linear electric machine
Implementation Method 2
utilize inert gases like helium and a heater body to generate thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
coupled with a chiller assembly and control systems to manage temperature differentials
Data Source
AI summary
A linear electric machine includes a shaft, a piston assembly operably coupled with the shaft, a stator assembly supporting the shaft and housing a load device, and a bearing assembly supporting an end of the shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support defining a support surface engaged with the fluid bearing. The bearing housing includes an opening for receiving the shaft therethrough. Further, the support surface of the bearing support defines an arcuate profile to allow the fluid bearing to maintain alignment with the shaft as the shaft tilts during operation of the linear electric machine.