Fluid Film Bearing Pad Structure for Stable Water Film Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid film bearing technology faces challenges in maintaining an appropriate water film between the bearing pad and the rotating body due to excessive surface pressure, leading to recessed elastic layers and reduced load capacity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a metal plate with higher rigidity than the elastic and sliding layers between the elastic and sliding layers in the bearing pad configuration, which disperses surface pressure and maintains the wedge shape of the clearance, thereby supporting the rotating body effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft elastic layer made of rubber is used in the bearing pad, then the bearing pad can deform to accommodate load, but the elastic layer is greatly recessed under excessive surface pressure, generating a large recess that prevents appropriate water film formation and decreases load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad uses a composite structure with a base layer (metal), elastic layer (rubber), intermediate layer (resin or metal), and sliding layer (bearing material). This multi-layer composite design combines the deformation capability of the soft elastic layer with the structural support of the base layer and intermediate layer, preventing excessive recess while maintaining adaptability to load variations.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate layer made of resin or metal is introduced between the elastic layer and the sliding layer. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that distributes the surface pressure from the rotating body, preventing the excessive concentration of pressure that causes the elastic layer to recess. The intermediate layer transfers loads more evenly to the base layer while protecting the elastic layer from direct excessive pressure.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic layer is made softer to improve compliance, then the bearing pad can better adapt to surface variations, but the recess becomes larger under pressure, making it difficult to form an appropriate water film
Solution Approach 1:
The composite multi-layer structure allows the elastic layer to remain soft and compliant while the base layer and intermediate layer maintain the overall structural integrity and prevent excessive deformation. This enables the bearing pad to adapt to surface variations without forming large recesses that would prevent proper water film formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers of the bearing pad have different local properties: the elastic layer provides local compliance for surface adaptation, while the base layer and intermediate layer provide local structural support to maintain the overall shape. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of compliance and shape stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-layer structure (base layer, elastic layer, sliding layer) is used, then the bearing pad can provide both structural support and lubrication, but the elastic layer recesses under high surface pressure at the center, reducing load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad evolves from a three-layer to a four-layer composite structure by adding an intermediate layer. This intermediate layer specifically addresses the load distribution issue, enabling the bearing pad to maintain both its multi-functional capability (structural support, compliance, lubrication) and high load capacity by preventing elastic layer recess under high surface pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer serves as a mediator between the elastic layer and sliding layer, distributing the high surface pressure that occurs at the center of the bearing pad under load. This prevents the elastic layer from recessing while allowing the bearing pad to maintain its compliance and lubrication functions.
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 configuration prevents the elastic layer from excessive recessing, maintains the load capacity, and ensures an appropriate water film formation, enhancing the bearing's ability to support the rotating body.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer made of an elastically deformable elastic material, the elastic layer being layered on the rotating body side of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
a metal plate that is more rigid than the elastic layer and the sliding layer, the metal plate being layered between the elastic layer and the sliding layer
Implementation Method 3
When the rotating body rotates, the thrust pad supports the rotating body in a non-contact manner by forming a water film as a lubrication film between the rotating body and the sliding layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid film bearing includes a plurality of bearing pads that are arranged in a circumferential direction of a rotating body that rotates about an axis, and that support the rotating body via a fluid film, wherein the bearing pad includes a base layer made of metal, an elastic layer that is layered on the rotating body side of the base layer, and that is made of an elastically deformable elastic material, a sliding layer that is layered on the rotating body side of the elastic layer, and that opposes the rotating body and is made of a bearing material, and a metal plate that is layered between the elastic layer and the sliding layer, and that is more rigid than the elastic layer and the sliding layer.