Axial Load Bearing Assembly With Elastomeric Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial load bearing assemblies are limited in providing a sufficient range of travel with desirable force characteristics and cannot be easily tuned to meet the necessary force requirements along the worm axis, leading to inadequate absorption of manufacturing tolerances and unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
The axial load bearing assembly includes a first and second member, a jacket, and an elastomeric ring or a corrugated wave-form o-ring, which are designed to compress axially and resist radial expansion, allowing for tunable force characteristics over an increased range of travel by using a metallic coil spring and alignment features to control axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional bearing isolators use elastomer disposed within steel cups to absorb manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the range of travel is limited and force characteristics cannot be adequately tuned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the elastomeric material properties through the addition of filler particles. This changes the force-displacement characteristics of the elastomer, enabling it to provide both sufficient range of travel and desirable force characteristics. The filler particles alter the elastomer's stiffness and compressibility, allowing tuning of the bearing isolator's performance parameters to simultaneously achieve tolerance absorption and extended travel range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining elastomer with filler particles to create a enhanced elastomeric composition. This composite material provides improved mechanical properties including increased strength, modified compressibility, and tailored force characteristics. The combination allows the bearing isolator to achieve both the required range of travel and the desirable force characteristics that conventional elastomer alone cannot provide.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bearing isolators use fixed elastomer geometry, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to tune force characteristics through necessary ranges of travel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the elastomeric material properties through the addition of filler particles. This changes the force-displacement characteristics of the elastomer, enabling it to provide both sufficient range of travel and desirable force characteristics. The filler particles alter the elastomer's stiffness and compressibility, allowing tuning of the bearing isolator's performance parameters to simultaneously achieve tolerance absorption and extended travel range.
3Reliability
If bearing pre-load is applied to eliminate looseness and bearing noise, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of controlling axial forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the elastomeric composition to inherently provide the necessary pre-load and force characteristics through its material properties. The filler-particle enhanced elastomer self-adjusts to provide appropriate bearing pre-load and eliminate looseness without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The material's intrinsic properties enable it to perform the pre-loading function automatically, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 design enables a controlled and tunable axial load bearing assembly that provides a greater range of travel with improved force characteristics, effectively absorbing manufacturing tolerances and reducing unwanted noise, while maintaining a stable and frictionless rotation of the worm gear shaft.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric ring or a corrugated wave-form o-ring, which are designed to compress axially and resist radial expansion
Implementation Method 2
is in biased contact with the face at least when in the compressed state preventing radial expansion of the elastomeric ring during axial compression
Data Source
AI summary
An axial load bearing assembly that may be for a steering gear box apparatus includes a first member, a second member, a jacket, and an elastomeric ring. The first member includes a first surface facing axially with respect to a centerline. The second member is constructed and arranged to move axially with respect to the first member between an extended state and a compressed state. The second member includes a second surface that axially opposes the first surface. The jacket is engaged to one of the first and second members, and includes a face facing radially inward. The elastomeric ring is disposed axially between the first and second members for axial compression, and is in biased contact with the face at least when in the compressed state preventing radial expansion of the elastomeric ring during axial compression.