Spring Damper Bearing Cap Barrier for Wedge-Gap Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring damper bearings are prone to water accumulation in a wedge-shaped gap, which can lead to water entering the thrust bearing, causing operational issues due to the design's susceptibility to water ingress from both the cap and dust cover sides.
Innovation Solution
A spring damper bearing design featuring a barrier part on the bearing cap with a tapered, annular shape that extends inward from the outer circumferential end, positioned to block water from entering the gap between the dust cover and the bearing, reducing the risk of water reaching the thrust bearing by directing it towards the dust cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bearing cap and guide ring are connected with a snap-fitting structure, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but water can accumulate in the wedge-shaped gap and enter the thrust bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing cap is segmented into a main body portion and a barrier part that extends inward to divide the internal space. This segmentation creates a barrier that prevents water accumulation while maintaining the snap-fitting assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier part acts as an intermediary structure between the main body portion and the thrust bearing. It mediates the water flow path, redirecting water away from the thrust bearing while not interfering with the snap-fitting connection between the bearing cap and guide ring.
2Force
If the axial end surface of the bearing is made as an inclined surface to counteract lateral force, then the lateral force resistance is improved, but water accumulation gap is formed and facilitates water entry into the thrust bearing
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier part extends in the radial dimension inward from the main body portion, creating a three-dimensional barrier structure. This radial extension effectively blocks water paths without altering the axial inclined surface geometry that provides lateral force resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier part is strategically positioned at specific locations where water accumulation occurs. This localized addition provides waterproofing functionality without modifying the overall inclined surface structure that handles lateral forces, thus maintaining force resistance while addressing water ingress locally.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring damper bearing includes a bearing cap, a guide ring and a thrust bearing. The bearing cap and the guide ring are connected together and surround the thrust bearing. The bearing cap includes an annular main body portion and a barrier part which is located on an inner circumferential side of the main body portion. The barrier part has an annular shape and includes an outer circumferential end connected to the main body portion and an inner circumferential end which extends out from the outer circumferential end and is away from the main body portion. The inner circumferential end is nearer than the outer circumferential end to the lower axial side and the inner radial side of the spring damper bearing.