Elastic Bearing Integrated Stop Collar Axial Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic bearings with elastomer-metal bushings, used in applications like rail vehicle roll supports, require separate stop elements for axial spring deflection limitations, which are complex to install and adjust.
Innovation Solution
An integrated stop is incorporated into the elastomer-metal bushing with stop half-shells that are immovably fixed by prestressing, eliminating the need for separate stop elements and allowing for axial spring deflection limitation within the bushing itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate stop elements are mounted on the anti-roll support to limit axial spring deflection, then axial travel limitation is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop elements are integrated directly into the elastomer-metal bushing structure. The inner metal half-shells are extended axially to form stop collars that protrude into the bearing eye, eliminating the need for separate stop elements mounted on the anti-roll support. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining the axial travel limitation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner metal half-shells serve dual functions: providing structural support for the elastomer layer and acting as integrated stop elements through their extended stop collars. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated stop components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate stop elements are mounted on the anti-roll support, then axial spring deflection limitation is achieved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stop function is combined with the bushing structure itself. The stop collars are formed as integral parts of the inner metal half-shells, which are already required for the bushing's structural integrity. This eliminates separate installation steps for stop elements and removes adjustment requirements, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop collars are pre-formed as part of the inner metal half-shells during manufacturing. The axial spacing gap between the stop collars and bearing eye end face is predetermined during bushing fabrication, eliminating the need for field adjustment and ensuring correct positioning from installation.
3Reliability
If separate stop elements are used, then axial travel limitation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop collars are formed as integral extensions of the inner metal half-shells during the same manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for separate stop element components and their associated manufacturing, inventory, and assembly costs, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner metal half-shells perform multiple functions: providing structural support for the elastomer, maintaining radial alignment, and serving as integrated stop elements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and manufacturing steps, lowering production costs.
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
This solution simplifies the installation and adjustment process, providing a cost-effective means to limit axial spring deflection without additional components, ensuring safety and functionality in applications with high axial loads.
Implementation Method 1
fixed immovably in the mounted state by the prestressing force on the second bearing part
Implementation Method 2
the rotational forces, tilting forces and torsional forces that essentially occur here are molecularly absorbed in the elastomer half-shell
Implementation Method 3
connected on one side at two adjacent longitudinal edges via an elastomer web as a film hinge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The bearing has elastomer-metal-half shells (5, 6) forming an elastomer-metal-bushing (4). The elastomer-metal-half shells are clamped together in a body-fixed bearing lug formed by external bearing lug-half shells. A stop-half shell (9) i.e. deep-drawn sheet metal part, has a stop collar (25) at an end side. The collar radially projects into a radial area of a front side of the lug in a mounted state. An axial clearance gap is formed between a semi-annular elastomer bead (26) of the collar and the front side of the lug according to predetermined free axial spring deflection with a stop limit.