Bias-Loaded Bearing Mounting for Thermal Cycling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bearing systems experience damage and increased wear due to uneven radial forces and loose connections caused by thermal expansion of elastomer rings, which occur during high-temperature thermal cycling, particularly in applications like electric submersible pumps (ESPs) used in drilling environments.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system incorporating a spring or biasing element that applies a longitudinal force to constrain the elastomer ring during thermal cycling, allowing controlled expansion and reducing permanent deformation, while also providing damping of shock and vibration through visco-elastic properties and friction within the elastomer and spring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the elastomer ring is allowed to expand freely during thermal cycling, then the bearing position is maintained initially, but the elastomer ring experiences permanent deformation and extrusion causing increased wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biasing element that applies a longitudinal biasing force to the elastomer ring, changing the stress state parameters of the elastomer ring during thermal cycling. This controlled pre-compression prevents excessive expansion and permanent deformation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining bearing position and preventing elastomer ring damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element provides preliminary counter-action by applying a compressive force to the elastomer ring before thermal expansion occurs. This pre-compression counteracts the expansive force during thermal cycling, preventing extrusion and permanent deformation while maintaining stable bearing positioning.
2Reliability
If a rigid constraint is used to prevent elastomer ring expansion, then permanent deformation is reduced, but shock and vibration damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomer ring with visco-elastic properties to constrain the bearing. This flexible material absorbs shock and vibration through its inherent damping characteristics, while still providing sufficient constraint to prevent excessive thermal expansion and permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer ring with visco-elastic properties provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and damping shock and vibration forces before they can cause damage to the bearing or surrounding components. This cushioning effect occurs continuously during operation, not just during impact events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the elastomer ring is pre-compressed to prevent thermal expansion, then bearing position is maintained, but the elastomer ring experiences increased stress and permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is designed to provide just enough pre-compression to maintain bearing position during thermal cycling, allowing the elastomer ring to self-adjust within safe stress limits. The system self-regulates the compression force to prevent both excessive expansion and excessive stress on the elastomer ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial pre-compression through the biasing element - enough to maintain bearing position stability during thermal cycling, but not so much as to cause permanent deformation or exceed the elastomer ring's structural limits. This optimized level of pre-compression resolves the contradiction between position stability and structural integrity.
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 effectively maintains the position of the bearing, reduces damage, and extends the operating lifetime by preventing extrusion and wear, ensuring stable operation under high-temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer ring transfers at least a portion of the biasing force to a radial force on the bearing
Implementation Method 2
providing damping of shock and vibration through visco-elastic properties
Implementation Method 3
friction within the elastomer and spring systems
Implementation Method 4
thermal expansion of elastomer rings, which occur during high-temperature thermal cycling
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing system may include a bearing. A bearing system may include an elastomer ring surrounding the bearing, the elastomer ring contacting the bearing with a ring inner surface, the elastomer ring maintaining a position of the bearing. A bearing system may include a biasing element positioned to apply a biasing force to the elastomer ring, the elastomer ring transferring at least a portion of the biasing force to a radial force on the bearing.