Spherical Bearing Sleeve Collars for Tensile Load Robustness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spherical joint assemblies lack robustness to tensile loads, which can lead to ovalization and reduced performance in applications like gas turbine engines.
Innovation Solution
A bearing joint assembly with a spherical bearing and collars that form annular channels, allowing for pivotal movement and distributing loads effectively, where the collars are mechanically or bonded attached to the bearing sleeve and configured with varying geometries to enhance structural integrity under tensile loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional spherical joint assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the robustness to tensile loads is insufficient and ovalization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple collars (first collar and second collar) that are spaced apart axially along the bearing sleeve. Each collar independently reinforces the bearing sleeve at different locations, providing distributed tensile load resistance without requiring a completely redesigned monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is formed from a material that is the same as or different from the bearing sleeve material, creating a composite structure. This allows optimization of each component's material properties to achieve superior tensile load resistance while maintaining compatibility with the bearing sleeve.
2Ease of manufacture
If the collar is mechanically attached to the bearing sleeve, then the assembly is easier to manufacture and disassemble, but the structural integrity under tensile loads may be reduced compared to bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment method is made adjustable between mechanical attachment and bonding, allowing the assembly to adapt to different manufacturing requirements and operational conditions. This dynamic selection capability enables optimization for either ease of assembly or maximum structural integrity depending on the specific application needs.
3Reliability
If collars are added to the bearing sleeve, then the robustness to tensile loads increases, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the bearing sleeve against tensile loads, provides a mounting structure for the spherical bearing, and creates annular channels for lubrication or ventilation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is positioned to surround and reinforce the bearing sleeve, with the spherical bearing nested within the annular channel formed by the collar. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and structural efficiency without requiring separate housing components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing joint assembly (10) may include a bearing sleeve (16), a first collar (18), a first mount (28), a pair of second mounts (30A,30B) and a fastener (22), which projects through the bearing sleeve (16) and secures the bearing sleeve (16) to the second mounts (30A,30B). The bearing sleeve (16) extends axially along a centerline (32) and includes a spherical bearing. The first collar (18) is configured with the bearing sleeve (16). A first annular channel is formed by and extends axially between the spherical bearing and the first collar (18). The first mount (28) is mounted on and slidably engages the spherical bearing. The spherical bearing and the first collar (18) are axially between the second mounts (30A,30B).