Sealed Bearing Bush Geometry for Low-Force, Low-Eccentricity Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing tolerances lead to variations in assembly force requirements for bearing bushes, particularly when components are made of plastic, resulting in deformation and increased eccentricity when absorbing transverse loads, and existing solutions either complicate assembly or cause excessive clearance.
Innovation Solution
A bearing bush design featuring a tubular bearing element with axial protrusions on its outer circumference, where the inner diameter varies sinusoidally, allowing for deformation during assembly to minimize eccentricity and assembly force, and a sealing element with radial prestressing to prevent dirt and moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bearing element is made of plastic to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing tolerances cause deformation and increased eccentricity when absorbing transverse loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element features circumferential protrusions that create local variations in wall thickness, with thicker sections at the protrusions and thinner sections in between. This local quality variation allows the bearing to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient stiffness at critical locations to resist deformation under transverse loads, thereby reducing eccentricity without compromising ease of manufacture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inner diameter of the bearing element is reduced to minimize clearance, then bearing clearance is improved, but assembly force requirements increase due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is designed with a non-uniform wall thickness profile featuring circumferential protrusions, creating a dynamic structure that deforms elastically during assembly. This dynamic design allows the bearing to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and fit variations, maintaining minimal clearance under operating conditions while reducing peak assembly forces through controlled deformation during the assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing element deforms during assembly to reduce assembly force, then ease of operation is improved, but excessive clearance and increased eccentricity occur when absorbing transverse loads
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential protrusions create localized stiffening zones that prevent excessive deformation during assembly while allowing controlled elastic deformation in the thinner sections. This local quality differentiation ensures that the bearing maintains its geometric stability and low eccentricity when absorbing transverse loads, while still enabling easy assembly through controlled deformation in non-critical areas.
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 design enables easy assembly with low assembly forces and minimal eccentricity, effectively supporting steering rods or similar components with reduced clearance and improved load distribution while maintaining a robust seal.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element integrated into the bearing bush rests elastically and with radial prestressing against the steering rod
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing bush includes at least one sealing element and one bearing element. The sealing element is provided with at least one sealing lip. The bearing element is substantially tubular. The bearing element includes a plurality of protrusions extending in the axial direction on the outer circumference. The inner diameter of the bearing element is larger in the sections corresponding to the protrusions than in the remaining sections.