Compact Integrated Perimeter Thrust Bearing Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrust bearings occupy significant volume in space-limited applications, such as VICTS antennas, due to their separate and independent assembly design, which limits their efficiency and compactness.
Innovation Solution
An integrated angular contact thrust bearing system with raceways of different diameters arranged in a stacked configuration, allowing for alternating angular contact pairs and reduced volume occupation, achieved by forming raceways and balls within the rotating components themselves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separate bearing assemblies are used, then reliability and axial stiffness are provided, but volume occupied increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate bearing assemblies into a single integrated bearing assembly. The integrated design combines first and second bearing races with multiple ball sets (first, second, third, and fourth ball sets) into one unified structure that provides the same axial stiffness and reliability as separate assemblies while occupying significantly less volume. The bearing races are integrated with the rotating component, eliminating the need for separate mounting features and reducing overall volume.
2Ease of operation
If separate bearing assemblies are used for each rotating component, then rotation support is provided, but device complexity increases due to multiple mounting features
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bearing assembly serves multiple functions within a single component. It provides rotation support, maintains axial stiffness in both directions, and integrates directly with the rotating component without requiring separate mounting features. The bearing races are formed as integral parts of the rotating component, eliminating the need for additional mounting hardware and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If conventional thrust bearings are used, then axial stiffness is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing races are merged with the rotating component as integral parts, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for the races and balls. The integrated design allows for simplified manufacturing where the bearing assembly is formed as a single piece with the rotating component, reducing manufacturing steps and complexity while maintaining the required axial stiffness.
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 integrated system reduces the overall volume and complexity of rotating systems by eliminating the need for separate bearing assemblies, providing axial and radial stiffness while allowing for easier manufacturing and maintenance, and mitigating thermal expansion mismatches.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of balls arranged between the first raceway and the second raceway; and a second plurality of balls arranged between the third raceway and the fourth raceway
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
A bearing for providing rotation of at least one intermediate part relative to a first part and a second part includes a first bearing race formed in the first part, the first bearing race having a raceway corresponding to a first diameter, and a second bearing race and a third bearing race formed in the at least one intermediate part, the second bearing race and third bearing race having a raceway corresponding to a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter. Further, a fourth bearing race is formed in the second part, the fourth bearing race having a raceway corresponding to the first diameter. A first plurality of roller elements are arranged between the first raceway and the second raceway, and a second plurality of roller elements are arranged between the third raceway and the fourth raceway.