Fluid Bearing Variable Surface Area for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid bearings are often overdesigned for maximum load conditions, resulting in higher viscous drag when operating at lower loads due to a fixed wetted-load carrying area, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjusting the effective bearing surface area by altering the rotatable bearing surface area in contact with the lubricating fluid, either by changing the length of the bearing surface, displacing it laterally, or controlling the flow of lubricating fluid through inlet and outlet ports, to match the instantaneous load, thereby reducing viscous drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bearing is designed with a fixed wetted-load carrying area to accommodate maximum load conditions, then the load-carrying capacity is sufficient for maximum loads, but the viscous drag increases when operating at lower loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface area is made variable rather than fixed. The bearing includes a bearing surface with a first area and a second area smaller than the first area, allowing the effective load-carrying area to be adjusted dynamically based on operating conditions. This enables the bearing to reduce viscous drag during low-load operations while maintaining sufficient load-carrying capacity during high-load operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the bearing surface area to resolve the contradiction. By providing multiple bearing surface areas (first area for maximum load, second area for reduced load), the system can adjust the effective area parameter to match the instantaneous load requirements, thereby optimizing the balance between load-carrying capacity and viscous drag losses.
2Reliability
If the bearing surface area is increased to handle maximum loads, then the bearing can accommodate peak loads, but the bearing is overdesigned and operates inefficiently at lower loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing transitions from a static fixed-area design to a dynamic variable-area design. The ability to switch between the first bearing surface area and the second bearing surface area allows the bearing to adapt its capacity to match the actual load requirements, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions while eliminating the inefficiency of overdesign during low-load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is segmented into distinct area zones (first area and second area). This segmentation allows selective engagement of appropriate bearing surface portions based on load conditions, enabling the bearing to provide full capacity when needed while reducing to a smaller effective area during normal operation to improve efficiency.
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 adjustment allows for reduced viscous drag and optimized load-carrying capacity by matching the bearing surface area to the actual load, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a lubricating fluid in the bore with at least a portion of the rotatable bearing surface, wherein an effective bearing surface area is provided where the lubricating fluid contacts the rotatable bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fluid bearing having an adjustable effective surface area and a method of adjusting the load carrying capacity of a fluid bearing. The fluid bearing may include a bore defining a central longitudinal axis and lubricating fluid provided within the bore. The fluid bearing may also include a bearing including a bearing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bearing is positioned within the bore. An adjustable effective bearing surface area may also be provided. The method includes adjusting effective bearing surface area of the bearing.