Spherical Plain Bearing Misalignment Restraint Against Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spherical plain bearings face damage and contamination due to maximum angular misalignment, which existing designs fail to adequately address, leading to ingress of contaminants and potential damage to the inner and outer members.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an angular misalignment restraint system featuring inner and outer ring features, such as radially extending lips and annular bumper pads, that prevent further misalignment by abutment when a predetermined maximum angle is reached, combined with a self-lubricating liner for reduced wear and tear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spherical plain bearings allow angular oscillation within specified limits, then the bearing can accommodate misalignment and maintain operational flexibility, but at maximum misalignment angles the concave and convex surfaces are exposed which allows contaminant ingress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular misalignment accommodationVSAvoidbearing protection from contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A spherical cap is introduced as an intermediary element between the inner member and outer ring. The spherical cap features a convex exterior surface that contacts the concave interior surface of the outer ring, while its flat interior surface contacts the convex exterior surface of the inner member. This intermediary structure allows the bearing to accommodate angular misalignment while the spherical cap remains seated within the outer ring cavity, preventing contaminant ingress and protecting the bearing surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a radial dimension constraint through the spherical cap geometry. The spherical cap's curved exterior surface engages with the outer ring's concave surface in a way that maintains contact within the radial plane, preventing the inner member from rotating out of the outer ring cavity. This dimensional constraint allows angular movement while maintaining protective engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If spherical plain bearings permit angular misalignment movement, then the bearing can function in misaligned conditions, but excessive misalignment can damage the inner and outer members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment movement capabilityVSAvoidinner and outer member integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical cap acts as a protective cushion that engages beforehand to prevent excessive misalignment. The geometry of the spherical cap and outer ring cavity is designed so that the spherical cap remains seated within the cavity during normal angular oscillation, but would prevent any rotation that would cause damage to the inner or outer members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical cap serves as a mediator that absorbs and limits misalignment stresses. By transferring the load through its spherical exterior surface to the outer ring, it protects the inner and outer members from excessive angular stresses while still allowing functional misalignment movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 angular misalignment restraint system effectively prevents damage from excessive misalignment, ensuring the longevity and performance of the spherical plain bearing by limiting angular displacement and maintaining a clean, lubricated contact zone.

Implementation Method 1

Some spherical bearings employ a self-lubricating liner (e.g., a polytetrafluoroethylene liner) disposed between the concave interior surface and the convex surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

a first portion of the inner member restrain feature is shaped and arranged to come into abutment with the second portion of the outer ring restraint feature when the inner member and the outer ring are angularly misaligned relative to one another by the predetermined maximum angle θ

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abutment: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12196258B2Spherical plain bearing with angular misalignment restraint system, and angular misalignment restrain system

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 ROLLER BEARING OF AMERICA INC

AI summary

A spherical plain bearing includes an outer ring having a concave interior spherical surface, and an inner member having a convex exterior spherical surface. The inner member is pivotally disposed in the outer ring such that the inner member and the outer ring are angularly misalignable relative to one another. The spherical plain bearing includes an angular misalignment restraint system which includes an inner member restraint feature on the inner member and an outer ring restraint feature on the outer member. The first and second portions are spaced apart when the inner member and the outer ring are angularly misaligned relative to one another by less than a predetermined maximum angle θ, and come into abutment when the inner member and the outer ring are angularly misaligned relative to one another by angle θ. The abutment prevents any further relative angular misalignment of the inner member and the outer ring.