Integrated Bearing Support With Flexible Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed turbo-machines require a compact and lightweight bearing support that can dampen vibrations without the need for a separate damping apparatus, as existing solutions take up significant space and add weight.
Innovation Solution
A bearing support with a flange and elongated flexible elements that engage with the bearing assembly, providing both structural support and damping by flexing under load to absorb vibrations, with the ability to be tuned for specific applications through material and design selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate damper and complex support structure are used to dampen vibrations, then vibration damping performance is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and damping function into a single integrated bearing support component. The support structure includes flexible elements that provide both mechanical support and vibration damping through their elastic deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for separate damper devices and complex support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the bearing assembly, dampens vibrations through flexible element deformation, and accommodates maneuver loads. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and weight compared to using separate specialized components for each function.
2Reliability
If a separate damper and complex support structure are used to dampen vibrations, then vibration damping performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and damping function into a single integrated bearing support component. The support structure includes flexible elements that provide both mechanical support and vibration damping through their elastic deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for separate damper devices and complex support structures.
3Strength
If traditional bearing support structures are used, then structural support is provided, but space and weight are consumed by separate damping apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and damping function into a single integrated bearing support component. The support structure includes flexible elements that provide both mechanical support and vibration damping through their elastic deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for separate damper devices and complex support structures.
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 supports and dampens vibrations in high-speed machines, reducing the risk of high cycle fatigue and accommodating maneuver loads without the weight and space penalties of separate damping devices.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing support having a flange with a plurality of elongated flexible elements extending therefrom, the elements engageable with the bearing assembly
Implementation Method 2
The elements engageable with the bearing assembly... providing both structural support and damping by flexing under load to absorb vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A compact bearing support operable for supporting and damping movement of a bearing assembly. The bearing support includes a plurality of flexible elements engaging the bearing assembly in a plurality of locations.