Elastomeric Plain Bearing Assembly for Multi-Axis Angular Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric bearings used in aircraft applications suffer damage from excessive angular displacement, particularly after prolonged use, due to the limitations in their design for supporting pivoting or twisting motions.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly featuring an inner plain bearing section with a convex surface and an outer ring with a concave surface, along with a laminated elastomeric bearing section, which allows for angular displacement about multiple axes while preventing relative displacement between the rings, and flexes to accommodate movement, thereby enhancing durability and motion support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric bearings are used to support pivoting or twisting motions, then the bearing can accommodate angular displacement, but the elastomeric layers become damaged after prolonged use when the angular displacement exceeds a certain magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into two distinct functional sections: an inner plain bearing section with sliding/engaging surfaces for motion control, and an outer elastomeric bearing section for flexibility and shock absorption. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in its optimal function, preventing the elastomeric material from承受ing excessive angular displacement that causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The plain bearing surfaces are configured with curved geometries (concave and convex surfaces) that enable sliding motion while maintaining continuous contact. This curved surface design allows the bearing to accommodate angular displacement through controlled sliding rather than relying solely on elastomeric deformation, thereby improving durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing allows greater angular displacement, then the adaptability increases, but the elastomeric layers suffer damage from excessive motion
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the bearing into plain bearing and elastomeric bearing sections, the design allows the plain bearing section to handle larger angular displacements through its sliding surfaces, while the elastomeric section maintains structural integrity by experiencing reduced stress and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plain bearing section acts as an intermediary that absorbs and manages the angular displacement through controlled sliding motion, protecting the elastomeric layers from excessive deformation. The sliding surfaces mediate the motion that would otherwise directly stress the elastomeric material.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing uses only elastomeric material for flexibility, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision and control over relative displacement decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into two sections with distinct functions: the plain bearing section provides precise control over relative displacement through its sliding and engaging surfaces, while the elastomeric bearing section provides flexibility and shock absorption. This segmentation allows both precision and flexibility to coexist in the same bearing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing combines two different material systems (plain bearing materials and elastomeric materials) to achieve properties that neither material could provide alone. The composite structure enables both precise motion control and flexible adaptation to operational conditions.
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 bearing assembly effectively supports complex angular movements in aircraft applications by preventing damage from excessive displacement and ensuring prolonged service life through the engagement and flexing mechanisms of its bearing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an outer elastomeric bearing section disposed about the plain bearing section, connected with the second member and configured such that at least a portion of the elastomeric bearing section flexes when the movable one of the first and second members angularly displaces about the second axis
Implementation Method 2
The inner ring bearing surface and outer ring bearing surface are each configured such that one of the inner and outer ring bearing surfaces slides against the other one of the inner and outer ring bearing surfaces when the movable one of the first and second members angularly displaces about the first axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A bearing assembly is for movably coupling first (1) and second members (2), one being movable relative to the other. A plain bearing section includes an inner ring (16) connectable with the first member and an outer convex bearing surface. An outer ring (22) is disposed about the inner ring and has an inner concave bearing surface disposed against the inner ring bearing surface. The two bearing surfaces are formed such that one bearing surfaces slides against the other when the movable member displaces about a first axis and two bearing surfaces engage to prevent displacement between the two rings when the movable member displaces about a second axis. An elastomeric bearing section (14) is disposed about the plain bearing section, is connected with the second member and formed such that at least a portion of the elastomeric bearing section flexes when the movable member angularly displaces about the second axis.