Axial Bearing Retainer with Spring Ring Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial bearings for rotary bodies face issues with uneven load distribution due to angular differences between the thrust shaft axis and the bearing housing axis, leading to increased thermal stress and wear, and require complex and maintenance-intensive hydraulic systems to compensate for these differences.
Innovation Solution
The axial bearing employs resilient mounts with spring ring sections that allow axially elastic deformation, distributing loads more evenly across multiple thrust pieces without the need for alignment or complex hydraulic systems, using spring ring segments with radial incisions to enhance spring effect and adapt to varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic cylinders and ring line are used to compensate for angle differences, then load distribution is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex hydraulic cylinder and ring line system from the bearing assembly. Instead of using hydraulic mechanisms, the invention employs simple resilient mounts made of elastomeric material that directly absorb angular misalignment and distribute loads evenly across thrust pieces, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the mounting system by using elastomeric resilient mounts with specific durometer hardness values (e.g., 60-90 Shore A). These mounts deform elastically under load to accommodate angular differences between shaft and housing axes, providing load distribution functionality without requiring complex mechanical or hydraulic systems
2Reliability
If hydraulic cylinders are used for load compensation, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic cylinder assembly and ring line from the manufacturing process. The resilient mounts are manufactured as simple elastomeric components using conventional molding techniques, and the thrust pieces are directly mounted to the shaft without requiring hydraulic system integration, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mounts are designed as simple, inexpensive elastomeric components that can be easily replaced if needed. Their low cost and simplicity of manufacture allow for easy replacement without requiring complex tooling or specialized manufacturing processes, unlike hydraulic systems
3Device complexity
If rigid mounting of thrust pieces is used, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal stress and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical properties of the mounting system from rigid to resilient by using elastomeric material with specific damping and elastic properties. These mounts reduce thermal stress by absorbing expansion and contraction forces, and minimize wear by providing compliant contact surfaces that accommodate misalignment and reduce friction
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mounts provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing thermal and mechanical stresses before they can damage the thrust pieces or shaft. The elastomeric material acts as a protective element that cushions against thermal expansion, vibration, and load shocks, preventing harmful effects before they occur
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 ensures a high level of functional reliability and uniform load distribution at reduced production and device technology costs, minimizing thermal stress and wear, and preventing axial bearing failure without the need for reworking or alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring ring section (12) for axially elastic deformation when a load limit acting on at least some of the thrust pieces (8) is exceeded
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an axial bearing (1) for receiving axial loads that act on a rotatary element, wherein the axial bearing has ring retainers (10) for accommodating pushing pieces (8), which ring retainers (10) each have a positioning segment (14) for stationary positioning and a spring ring segment (12) for axially elastic deformation when a load limit acting on at least some of the pushing pieces (8) is exceeded, wherein a spring gap is formed between the spring ring segments and in each case a back-side housing segment. The invention further relates to a retainer for such an axial bearing.