Four-Arc Non-Circular Sliding Bearing for Higher Load Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radial plain bearings face limitations in load capacity and durability due to their conventional round shape, which restricts their ability to effectively transmit forces in both radial and axial directions.

Innovation Solution

The inner sliding surface of the radial plain bearing is designed with a non-round shape comprising four circular arcs, with specific radii and center alignments to enhance load capacity and durability, allowing for improved force transmission and alignment with the loaded zone in planetary stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional round shape is used for the inner sliding surface, then the bearing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load capacity and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidshape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The inner sliding surface is designed with an asymmetric non-circular shape composed of four circular arcs with different radii, allowing the bearing to better accommodate the loaded zone in planetary stages and improve load capacity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through defined geometric parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a conventional round shape is used for the inner sliding surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the durability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidshape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric four-arc design optimizes the contact between the sliding surfaces and the loaded zone, distributing stresses more effectively and reducing wear, thereby extending the service life and durability of the radial plain bearing in planetary stage applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If a non-round shape with four circular arcs is used for the inner sliding surface, then the load capacity and durability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inner sliding surface is segmented into four distinct circular arcs, each with defined radius and positioning, allowing the complex shape to be manufactured through sequential machining operations or modular fabrication processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired non-circular geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design specifies particular radius ratios and positioning parameters for the four circular arcs, optimizing the shape for load capacity while establishing clear geometric parameters that guide the manufacturing process and control complexity through standardized dimensional relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4226059B1Non circular sliding bearing
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4226059B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a non-circular inner sliding surface (101) for a radial sliding bearing, which surface consists of four circular arcs (111, 113, 115, 117) in at least one cross-section, wherein a first circular arc (111) and a second circular arc (113) lie on different sides of a longitudinal sectional plane that intersects a third circular arc (115), a fourth circular arc (117) and a common centre point (125) of the third circular arc (115) and the fourth circular arc (117). The first circular arc (111) and a centre point (121) of the first circular arc (111) lie on different sides of the longitudinal sectional plane (119), wherein the second circular arc (113) and a centre point (123) of the second circular arc (113) lie on different sides of the longitudinal sectional plane (119).