Semi-floating Bearing Locking via Groove Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbochargers using semi-floating metal bearings face inefficiencies in operation and accuracy of positioning due to the need for precise press fit control and screw engagement of positioning pins, which decreases operation efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A bearing structure with a semi-floating metal bearing housed in a cylindrical portion, featuring an outer circumferential groove and a locking member with a radial hole that facilitates easy fixation by elastic deformation, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing axial and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positioning pin is fixed by press fit to the bearing housing and semi-floating metal bearing, then the positioning pin can prevent axial and rotational movement of the bearing, but press fit control during insertion decreases operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pin is divided into a head portion and a body portion, with the body portion having an outer circumferential groove that allows segmentation of the locking function. This segmentation enables the pin to be locked in place through the groove engagement with the bearing inner circumference, eliminating the need for precise press fit control while maintaining positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer circumferential groove is pre-formed on the body portion of the positioning pin at a specific position. This preliminary action allows the pin to be automatically locked when inserted into the bearing, as the groove engages with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing. This pre-prepared locking mechanism eliminates the need for complex press fit control during assembly, improving operation efficiency while ensuring reliable positioning.
2Reliability
If a positioning pin is screw engaged with the bearing housing, then the positioning pin can be securely fixed, but the accuracy of positioning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pin structure separates the fixation function (achieved through the groove engagement with the bearing) from the positioning function (determined by the precise location of the groove). This segmentation allows the pin to be securely fixed without relying on screw engagement, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while ensuring fixation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the screw engagement mechanism from the positioning pin system and replaces it with a groove-based locking mechanism. The outer circumferential groove on the pin body engages with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing, providing secure fixation without the need for threads. This extraction of the screw mechanism eliminates the positioning errors introduced by thread engagement while maintaining secure fixation.
3Reliability
If a positioning pin is inserted into the bearing housing and semi-floating metal bearing, then the bearing is prevented from moving axially and rotating, but the fixing process involves complex press fit or screw engagement procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pin is segmented into a head portion and a body portion with an outer circumferential groove. This segmentation simplifies the fixing process by allowing the pin to be inserted and automatically locked through groove engagement, eliminating the need for complex press fit or screw engagement procedures. The groove structure provides inherent locking capability that prevents both axial and rotational movement of the bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer circumferential groove on the positioning pin body enables self-locking functionality. When the pin is inserted into the bearing, the groove automatically engages with the inner circumferential surface of the bearing, providing self-service locking without requiring external fastening operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies the fixing process while ensuring reliable prevention of axial and rotational movement.
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 proposed solution simplifies the fixing process of the semi-floating metal bearing, enhancing operation efficiency and accuracy while dispersing load for improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member having a body inserted into the radial hole from an outer side in the radial direction of the shaft, wherein at least part of the body is interposed between the two opposed surfaces and fixed to the outer circumferential groove
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing structure includes: an outer circumferential groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical portion of a semi-floating metal bearing, and including two opposed surfaces opposed to each other in an axial direction of a shaft and a bottom surface connected to the two opposed surfaces; a radial hole penetrating a wall portion defining the bearing hole so as to communicate with the bearing hole, and facing the outer circumferential groove of the semi-floating metal bearing; a locking member having a body inserted into the radial hole from the outer side of the shaft, wherein at least part of the body is interposed between the two opposed surfaces and fixed to the outer circumferential groove; and an opposed portion provided in the housing, and opposed to the part of the body of the locking member when the locking member is fixed to the outer circumferential groove.