External Thrust Bearing Assembly for High Axial Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing assemblies for apparatus with a shaft rotatably connected to a housing face challenges in efficiently transferring axial and radial loads, particularly in downhole environments where loads can be extreme and directional, leading to potential wear and reduced torque capacity due to the containment of thrust bearings within the housing.
Innovation Solution
The bearing assembly features a first thrust bearing located externally to provide a larger bearing area and increased load capacity, with a second thrust bearing and radial bearing positioned internally to manage axial and radial loads effectively, utilizing lubrication systems and segmented components to distribute wear and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If thrust bearings are contained within the housing interior, then the apparatus structure is compact, but the bearing area is limited and load capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first thrust bearing is positioned externally to the housing along the axial direction, extending the bearing system beyond the housing boundaries. This dimensional extension provides additional bearing area without increasing the housing interior volume, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact structure and load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing system is divided into two separate bearings: a first thrust bearing positioned externally and a second thrust bearing positioned internally. This segmentation allows each bearing to be optimized for its specific location and load requirements, with the external bearing handling primary axial loads and the internal bearing providing additional support.
2Device complexity
If a single thrust bearing is used to transfer axial loads in both directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bearing area and load capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single thrust bearing is segmented into two separate thrust bearings positioned at different locations. The first thrust bearing handles axial loads in one direction while the second thrust bearing handles axial loads in the opposite direction, providing dedicated bearing surfaces for each load direction and increasing overall load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft extension acts as an intermediary element that connects the external first thrust bearing to the shaft, enabling the external bearing to effectively transfer axial loads without requiring modification to the shaft or housing structure.
3Strength
If the bearing assembly is extended axially to provide larger bearing area, then the load capacity is increased, but the apparatus length is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the bearing assembly axially within the housing, the first thrust bearing is positioned externally along the radial dimension. This allows the bearing area to be increased by utilizing the external cylindrical surface of the shaft extension, thereby increasing load capacity without proportionally increasing the axial length of the bearing section.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing assembly for use in an apparatus having a housing and a shaft which is rotatably connected with the housing. A shaft extension extends from the interior of the housing at a first housing end. The shaft extension defines a first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly includes a first thrust bearing for transferring a first axial load between the shaft and the housing. The first thrust bearing is located axially between the first housing end and the first bearing shaft surface.