Bearing System Holding Device for Launch Force Decoupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Highly sensitive optical or electrical scanning systems require backlash-free bearing systems that are not overdetermined, especially during temperature changes and weightlessness conditions like in rocket launches, where flexpivot bearings can be compromised by lateral and axial forces.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a cylindrical hollow axle with a bearing shell and a holding and releasing mechanism that decouples the bearing system from external forces, using a Frangibolt mechanism and electro-plasma welding for secure connection and minimal assembly weight, allowing the bearing system to operate without load and be easily released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding and release mechanism (HDRM) is used to protect the bearing system during rocket launch, then the bearing system is protected from lateral and axial forces, but the mechanism creates minimal overdetermination that can cause deformation of the flexpivot bearing and impair its functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into two separate partial axles (3a, 3b) that are connected via laser welding. This segmentation allows the bearing system to be protected during launch while avoiding the overdetermination problem of traditional HDRM mechanisms, as the two partial axles can independently support the bearing system without creating excessive constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing system is extracted from the holder during operation by releasing the holding mechanism. The holding and release device allows the bearing system to be taken out of the constrained state during launch and placed in a free state during orbital operation, eliminating the overdetermination issue while maintaining protection when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If heavily preloaded bearing systems are used to achieve backlash-free operation over large temperature differences, then the bearing system maintains precision, but high drive torques are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the preload parameter of the bearing system by providing a holding mechanism that applies lateral preload forces during storage and transport, but releases this preload during orbital operation. This allows the bearing to operate with minimal or no preload in orbit, reducing drive torque requirements while maintaining precision when needed during ground operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If flexpivot bearings are used to maintain precise axis of rotation via elastic deformation, then there is no friction between rotating parts, but the bearings are very sensitive to lateral and axial forces under weightlessness
Solution Approach 1:
The holding and release device applies preliminary protective action during storage and transport by constraining the holder to prevent lateral and axial forces from acting on the bearing system. During orbital operation, this preliminary constraint is released, allowing the flexpivot bearing to operate freely without the harmful forces it is sensitive to.
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 provides a non-overdetermined holding mechanism that maintains the bearing system's precision and stability during storage and launch, minimizing torque and allowing for repeated use with minimal shock load, while ensuring the bearing system operates freely in orbit.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical hollow axle is formed from two partial axles which are connected to one another via the laser system
Implementation Method 2
The material connection can be carried out subsequently and along the entire circumference of the storage system with the aid of an electro-plasma welding system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device for the, in particular temporary, force-free mounting of a bearing system (1) with a rotational axis is described. The device comprises a cylindrical hollow axle (3) for the concentric reception and mounting of the bearing system (1) and a bearing shell (2) which can be attached to the hollow axle (2) by means of a holding and releasing device (4) such that all lateral and axial forces acting on the device can be directed via the cylindrical hollow axle (3) into axle bearings without subjecting the bearing system (1) to a load.