Combined Elastomeric Bearing for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearings for machines and systems, such as those in wind turbines, face challenges with vibration reduction and space efficiency, particularly due to large contact surface and screw connection requirements for torsional moments, and are time-consuming to install and replace.
Innovation Solution
A compact, space-saving bearing design combining an elastic layered spring element and an elastic cone element, where the elastomer element is shared between both, allowing for improved absorption and processing of forces from various directions, reducing bending moments by 10-30% and simplifying assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double cone bearing with separate clamping elements is used to transmit power and damp vibrations, then power transmission reliability is improved, but the bearing occupies excessive space and requires large contact surfaces and screw connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two separate cone elements and clamping elements into a single integrated bearing structure. The elastomeric material serves dual functions as both the clamping element and the cone element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall bearing volume while maintaining power transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material in the bearing performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the clamping element to secure the cone, provides vibration damping, and transmits power. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and compactes the overall bearing design.
2Strength
If a bearing with separate elastic sandwich element and cone element is used to reduce bending moments, then bending moment reduction is improved, but assembly time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the elastic sandwich element and cone element into a single monolithic bearing structure made of elastomeric material. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple components, significantly reducing assembly time and installation complexity while maintaining the bending moment reduction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bearing structure automatically provides both the elastic sandwich function and cone element function through its unified design, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing installation complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact bearing design with integrated elastomeric elements is used, then space efficiency and ease of assembly are improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric material that can be molded into complex integrated shapes combining multiple functional elements. This composite material approach allows the bearing to be manufactured as a single piece through molding processes, achieving compact design without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 combined bearing effectively reduces bending moments and enhances damping properties, improving force absorption and processing efficiency while being more versatile and easier to manufacture and install, with a compact design suitable for space-constrained applications like vehicle clutches and wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric element (5), which is connected to a stiff material made of hard material on the opposite, upward-facing side
Implementation Method 2
The bearing according to the invention can significantly improve the damping properties, in particular the above-mentioned bending moments that act on the bearing when forces are universally applied
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastomeric bearing for reducing vibrations and noise in machines, devices, and systems, primarily caused by external forces. Due to its very compact, space-saving design, it is capable of handling forces acting in all spatial directions while optimally protecting the material. The bearing according to the invention is suitable for use in many applications, particularly in wind turbines.