Bearing With Reinforcing Threads For Elastomer Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-layered bearings with sheet metal and elastomer constructions are costly to produce, prone to deformation, and have limited progressive characteristics due to inhomogeneous loading and restricted damping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of continuous reinforcement threads or fibers encircling the elastomeric layer, which reduces deformation and allows for a more cost-effective production process, enabling a bearing with significantly different stiffness values in orthogonal directions and improved damping through internal gas and liquid filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sheet metal parts are used to restrict elastomer deformation, then local strain peaks are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the sheet metal intermediate layers from the bearing structure, replacing them with reinforcing threads directly embedded in the elastomer. This removes the complex sheet metal manufacturing, cleaning, and coating processes while maintaining deformation control through the thread reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the reinforcement approach from discrete sheet metal layers to continuous or discontinuous threads with specific spacing (0.5-5.0 times the thread diameter). This parameter change in reinforcement distribution maintains strain control while simplifying manufacturing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sheet metal parts are used in bearing construction, then deformation is restricted, but manufacturing cost and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure where threads (metal, synthetic, or natural) are embedded within the elastomer matrix. This composite approach provides structural stability through the reinforcing threads while eliminating the need for separate sheet metal components, simplifying manufacturing to a single molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reinforcement function and the elastomer body into a single integrated component. The threads are directly embedded in the elastomer during molding, combining what were previously separate sheet metal and elastomer layers into one manufacturable unit, eliminating assembly steps and reducing cost.
3Shape
If intermediate sheets are used between elastomer layers, then bearing structure is maintained, but usable height for low shear stiffness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces thick sheet metal intermediate layers with thin reinforcing threads that have minimal thickness. This allows the elastomer to extend fully between cover plates, maximizing the usable height for achieving low shear stiffness while maintaining structural integrity through the thread reinforcement.
4Reliability
If complex bearing designs with multiple sheet metal parts are used, then performance requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the reinforcement function into individual threads or fiber bundles distributed throughout the elastomer, replacing the need for multiple sheet metal layers. This segmented approach maintains performance capability while simplifying manufacturing to a single molding operation with thread insertion.
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 results in a bearing with a long service life and cost-effective manufacturing, offering adjustable stiffness and damping capabilities, suitable for various applications including rail vehicles and construction, while eliminating the need for expensive molds and reducing elastomer usage.
Implementation Method 1
Filling the cavity with fluid, preferably in the center of the bearing, reduces the need for costly elastomer. Vulcanization time is significantly reduced because the block-like elastomer layer can also be heated from the inside.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing (1, 1', 1", 1"') comprising a first cover plate (2) and a second cover plate (3), an elastomer layer (4) being arranged between the first cover plate (2) and the second cover plate (3). The aim of the invention is to design and develop a bearing of the aforementioned type such that said bearing exhibits a long service life after an inexpensive manufacturing process. The bearing is characterized in that reinforcing fibers (5) are paired with the elastomer layer (4).