Common Shaft Bearing Layout to Isolate Axial Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined radial-axial anti-friction bearings in common shaft systems, particularly those with Cardan shaft coupling, are prone to premature failure due to excessive axial forces, which reduces the overall bearing life.
Innovation Solution
A combined anti-friction/hydrodynamic bearing common shaft system is introduced, featuring a rotating shaft with anti-friction bearings and hydrodynamic thrust bearings, along with thrust-collars, to form a bearing arrangement that shields anti-friction bearings from excessive axial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If combined radial-axial anti-friction bearings are used in common shaft systems, then the bearings can carry combination loads radially and axially, but the bearings are more prone to failure from excessive axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into two distinct functional components: anti-friction bearings for radial loads and hydrodynamic thrust bearings for axial loads. This segmentation allows each bearing type to be optimized for its specific load direction, preventing the anti-friction bearings from suffering premature failure due to excessive axial forces while maintaining the ability to carry combination loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrodynamic thrust bearings act as an intermediary element between the shaft and the housing, specifically designed to absorb and manage axial forces. This intermediary component protects the anti-friction bearings from excessive axial loads by providing a dedicated pathway for axial force transmission through the lubricating medium, thereby preserving anti-friction bearing reliability.
2Power
If Cardan shaft coupling systems are used, then power transmission is achieved, but high axial loads are imposed due to misalignment and torsional lock-up
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrodynamic thrust bearings serve as an intermediary force management system that specifically addresses the high axial loads generated by Cardan shaft coupling. These thrust bearings provide a controlled interface for axial force transmission, allowing the system to accommodate misalignment and torsional lock-up forces without transmitting excessive axial loads to the anti-friction bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in lubricating medium parameters (pressure, flow) within the hydrodynamic thrust bearing to dynamically manage axial loads. Under varying operating conditions including misalignment and torsional lock-up, the hydrodynamic film parameters adjust to accommodate axial force variations, protecting the anti-friction bearings from excessive axial loads while maintaining power transmission.
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 system effectively prevents axial forces from reducing the L10 life of anti-friction bearings, allowing them to operate without premature wear, even under higher axial loads.
Implementation Method 1
At least one hydrodynamic thrust bearing is secured to the housing adjacent the at least one anti-friction bearing
Implementation Method 2
A lubricating medium provides lubrication of the at least one anti-friction bearing, and the at least one hydrodynamic thrust bearing with the at least one thrust-collar via the plurality of oil passageways within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A combined anti-friction/hydrodynamic common shaft bearing system and method of using the same to prevent reduction of the theoretical life of an anti-friction bearing subjected to axial forces within the system comprising an anti-friction bearing secured to a rotating shaft. A housing carries the shaft and includes a plurality of oil passageways to provide hydrodynamic lubrication to the system. A hydrodynamic thrust bearing is secured to the housing adjacent to the anti-friction bearing, and a one thrust-collar is secured to the rotating shaft adjacent the hydrodynamic thrust bearing, with an axial gap between the thrust-collar and the hydrodynamic thrust bearing. The system inhibits axial forces on the anti-friction bearing which would otherwise cause premature failure of the bearing.