Folded-Bridge Spherical Bearing for Torque and Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joint assemblies and bearing members used in articulating components face challenges in improving torque and vibration performance while reducing weight, packaging size, and the number of parts required.

Innovation Solution

A bearing design for partially spherical components, featuring a first and second portion integral with a folded-over bridge portion, with arcuate inner surfaces and a metal substrate coated with a low friction layer, forming a semispherical void around the component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional joint assemblies are used, then structural strength is maintained, but weight and packaging size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is divided into a first portion and a complementary second portion that can be separately manufactured and then assembled around the spherical component. This segmentation allows for optimized weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated folded-over bridge portion that joins the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing portions are designed to nest around the spherical component, with the first and second portions forming a semispherical void that accommodates the spherical component. This nested configuration reduces overall assembly size and packaging requirements while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate parts are used in joint assemblies, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first portion and second portion are joined by an integrated folded-over bridge portion to form a single bearing assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts required while maintaining ease of manufacture through the modular design that can still be assembled around the spherical component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, reduces friction through the low friction layer, and allows for rotational movement. The integrated bridge portion simultaneously acts as a connector and a structural element, reducing part count while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If bearing designs without integrated connection structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but assembly reliability and structural integrity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folded-over bridge portion is pre-formed as an integral connection structure between the first and second portions. This preliminary integration ensures reliable connection and structural integrity before the bearing is assembled around the spherical component, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing incorporates a metal substrate with a low friction layer coating, creating a composite structure that enhances both reliability and performance. The composite material design provides wear resistance and reduced friction while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated bridge portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 design enhances torque and vibration performance, reduces weight and packaging size, and simplifies assembly by providing a compressive spring force and improved ease of assembly, leading to a longer joint assembly lifetime.

Implementation Method 1

a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow friction: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

the first portion and the second portion are adapted to at least partially surround and provide a compressive spring force against the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressive spring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12241503B2Bearing for partially spherical component and method of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORP

AI summary

A bearing for an at least partially spherical component, the bearing including a first portion and a complementary second portion integral with the first portion and joined by a folded-over bridge portion, the first portion and the second portion each including an arcuate inner surface, where the first portion and the second portion are adapted to at least partially surround and provide a compressive spring force against the component to form a joint assembly allowing for rotation of the component, where the first portion and the second portion form a semispherical void around the component, and where the bearing includes a metal substrate and a low friction layer overlying at least one surface of the substrate.