Flexible Aircraft Motor Bearing Support With Bridge-Rib Compliance
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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 stability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible support assembly comprising a first and second ring, bridges, and ribs arranged circumferentially and radially, allowing for radial movement and deformation to accommodate shifts, with optional additional ribs and ports for enhanced stability and load distribution.
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 a stationary structure, a flexible support with multiple bridges, and a rotating structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively accommodating radial shifts through the flexible bridges that can deform elastically under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support structure utilizes elastic deformation of the bridges to accommodate radial shifts. The bridges are designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, cross-section) that allow them to flex within elastic limits, changing their physical state temporarily to absorb radial movements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If existing flexible bearing supports are used, then some radial movement is accommodated, but stability and load distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional elements into a unified flexible support structure: bridges for radial flexibility, ribs for circumferential stability, and integrated bearing mounting. This combination ensures that radial movement accommodation and stability work together synergistically rather than in conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the bridges to deform elastically in response to radial loads and then return to their original position. This dynamic response enables the structure to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining stability through the rib reinforcements.
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 provides improved accommodation of radial movements, enhancing the stability and durability of the bearing support system in aircraft motors.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible support is arranged radially between and radially engages the bearing and the stationary structure. The flexible support includes a first ring, a second ring, a plurality of bridges and a plurality of first ribs.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (20) is provided for an aircraft motor. This 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 and radially engages the bearing and the stationary structure. The flexible support includes a first ring (66), a second ring (68), a plurality of bridges and a plurality of first ribs (72). The bridges are arranged circumferentially about the axis. Each of the bridges extends radially between and is connected to the first ring and the second ring. The first ribs are arranged circumferentially about the axis and interspersed with the bridges. Each of the first ribs projects radially out from the first ring towards the second ring. Each of the first ribs is connected to the first ring and is disengaged from the second ring.