Elastic Bearing Bracket for Worm Gear Axial Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worm-gear actuators face issues with torque transmission, leading to axial loads on the motor shaft, which are difficult to absorb, especially when using inexpensive mass-produced motors, requiring significant installation space for bearing systems.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped bearing bracket with angled limbs, made from stiffly elastic material, is used to create a simple and durable axial bearing system for the worm member, allowing indirect axial bearing and reducing surface pressure on radial mounts, while also incorporating spring elements for seizing protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a worm-gear mechanism is used for torque transmission, then adequate torque is provided at the output shaft, but axial loads are generated on the motor shaft that are difficult to absorb
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor shaft and the housing. This bearing bracket absorbs the axial loads generated by the worm-gear mechanism, preventing them from being transmitted to the motor shaft. The bearing bracket serves as a mediator that handles the unwanted axial force while allowing the torque transmission function to continue uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support function is segmented from the motor housing into a separate bearing bracket component. This segmentation allows the axial load absorption function to be independently designed and positioned, enabling the motor shaft to focus on torque transmission while the bearing bracket handles the axial load management.
2Reliability
If a bearing system is added to absorb axial loads, then the axial load problem is solved, but considerable installation space is required in the actuator housing
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial load absorption, structural support for the worm-gear mechanism, and integration with the existing actuator housing. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the need for additional separate bearing systems is eliminated, thereby reducing the overall installation space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support function is merged with the structural support function in a single bearing bracket component. This consolidation integrates the axial load absorption capability into the existing structural framework of the actuator, eliminating the need for separate bearing systems and reducing the overall space occupation in the actuator housing.
3Ease of manufacture
If substance-to-substance bonding is used to fasten the worm member to the motor shaft, then assembly is simplified, but the axial load becomes critical to operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing bracket serves as an intermediary that decouples the axial load path from the motor shaft. This allows the worm member to be简单地 fastened to the motor shaft using substance-to-substance bonding for assembly simplicity, while the bearing bracket independently handles the axial load, preventing it from being transmitted to the motor shaft and maintaining operational reliability.
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 effectively absorbs axial loads, reduces noise, and prevents wedging between the worm member and worm wheel, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of torque transmission in worm-gear units.
Implementation Method 1
a U-shaped bearing bracket is provided, which is equipped with angled limbs, and the yoke of which, centrifugally offset, extends along the worm member
Implementation Method 2
the length of which extends over at least the half width of the limb. The slit hole can be pushed centripetally, in front of the adjacent end face of the worm member, onto the shaft, which thereby is radially borne over the half of its circumference in steel-on-steel manner in the bearing bracket
Data Source
AI summary
In an actuator, which can be used, for example, for an electromotive parking brake, and the housing of which is equipped with a gear mechanism, axial and radial bracings of a worm member take place using a bearing bracket, the limbs of which, on both sides, engage the worm member from behind and reach radially beyond its shaft. As seizing protection against a wedging between the worm member and the worm wheel, the bearing bracket can be slightly displaced in the housing. For this purpose, by virtue of the restoring forces exerted by the spring elements, which are then tensioned, the bearing bracket together with the worm member is pushed axially and the worm wheel 20 is turned.