Aircraft Motor Bearing Support With Fluid-Buffered Radial Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible bearing supports for aircraft motors do not adequately accommodate radial shifts between rotating and stationary structures, necessitating improvements for better performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly featuring a flexible support with an inner and outer ring, a bridge, and axial channels, which allows for radial movement and includes features like grooves, fluid passages, and fasteners for secure attachment, enhancing flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid bearing support is used, then structural strength is maintained, but radial shifts between rotating and stationary structures cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support is divided into multiple segments including an inner ring, outer ring, and bridge structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing both flexibility for radial shifts and structural strength through the integrated design of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure connects the inner and outer rings with controlled flexibility, allowing the support to accommodate radial shifts through elastic deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity. The bridge acts as a flexible element that provides the necessary adaptability without compromising strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible bearing support is used, then radial shifts are accommodated, but vibration and shock transmission to the airframe increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid buffer is introduced as an intermediary between the bearing and the flexible support structure. This fluid layer absorbs vibrations and shocks, preventing their transmission to the airframe while allowing the flexible support to continue accommodating radial shifts effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid buffer utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic principles to provide damping against vibrations and shocks. The fluid's compressibility and viscosity characteristics enable it to absorb harmful vibrations while maintaining the necessary radial flexibility of the support structure.
3Stress or pressure
If the bridge height is increased to improve radial support, then radial stiffness increases, but flexibility to accommodate radial shifts decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge geometry parameters including height, thickness, and material properties are optimized to achieve the desired balance between radial stiffness and flexibility. By carefully controlling these parameters, the bridge provides sufficient radial support while maintaining the ability to accommodate radial shifts through controlled elastic deformation.
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 assembly effectively accommodates radial shifts, reduces vibration, and provides a fluid buffer, improving the durability and performance of aircraft motors by absorbing shocks and reducing transmission of vibrations to the airframe.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid source may be configured to direct fluid through the fluid passage to provide a fluid buffer radially between the inner ring and the bearing
Implementation Method 2
The flexible support is arranged radially between the bearing and the stationary structure... The bridge projects radially out from the inner ring to the outer ring
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (20) is provided for an aircraft motor. The assembly includes a bearing (28), a stationary structure (22) and a flexible support (30). The bearing extends circumferentially around an axis (38). The stationary structure circumscribes the bearing. The flexible support is arranged radially between the bearing and the stationary structure. The flexible support includes an inner ring (66), an outer ring (68), a bridge (70), an open first channel (118) and an open second channel (122). The inner ring radially engages the bearing. The outer ring radially engages the stationary structure. The bridge projects radially out from the inner ring to the outer ring. The bridge extends circumferentially about the inner ring. The open first channel extends axially into the flexible support from a first side (58) of the flexible support to the bridge. The open second channel extends axially into the flexible support from a second side (60) of the flexible support to the bridge.