Eccentric Bearing Coupling for Low-Friction Actuator Fixation

Solution Overview

Problem

Eccentric couplings in actuator assemblies, such as thrust reverser actuation systems, face issues with undesirable friction due to limited movement freedom, particularly at third fixation points, which can lead to force transmission and damage in mechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

An eccentric coupling design featuring a housing with inner and outer bearing mounts arranged eccentrically, allowing for planar movement and minimizing friction through a ring-shaped housing and ball bearings, accommodating angular and planar displacement at the third fixation point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an eccentric coupling is used to allow movement freedom between components, then the movement freedom is improved, but friction increases and forces are transmitted to other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into separate bearing mounts (inner and outer) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each bearing mount to accommodate movement in different directions, providing freedom of movement while distributing loads and reducing friction through the modular bearing arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric bearing mounts act as intermediary elements between the first and second moveable components. These bearing mounts absorb and accommodate relative movements through their eccentric geometry, preventing direct force transmission between components while minimizing friction through proper bearing selection and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an eccentric coupling is used to accommodate movement, then movement freedom is improved, but force transmission to other components occurs causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into separate bearing mounts (inner and outer) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each bearing mount to accommodate movement in different directions, providing freedom of movement while distributing loads and reducing friction through the modular bearing arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The eccentric bearing mounts act as intermediary elements between the first and second moveable components. These bearing mounts absorb and accommodate relative movements through their eccentric geometry, preventing direct force transmission between components while minimizing friction through proper bearing selection and arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables efficient movement without transmitting forces to the cowl or other components, reducing friction and ensuring the actuator operates without additional loads, enhancing the mechanical system's reliability and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

This arrangement, however, may create undesirable friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an inner bearing mount arranged to be mounted eccentrically around a first moveable component via first bearings, an outer bearing mount mounted eccentrically around the inner bearing mount via second bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS11280294B2Coupling with eccentric bearing arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST

AI summary

A coupling e.g. for an actuator, includes a housing which is preferably in the form of a ring mounted around the end of an outer rod of the actuator and which can be mounted to a component e.g. a cowl being deployed. Within the housing of the coupling is provided an eccentric bearing mount and bearing arrangement mounted eccentrically to the housing so as to permit some eccentric movement.