Hybrid Spherical and Thrust Bearing for Rotorcraft Force Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotorcraft bearings fail to effectively manage a variety of forces such as torsional, radial, axial, and cocking forces, leading to reduced life expectancy and torsional buildup in elastomeric bearings.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid spherical and thrust bearing design featuring an elastomeric bearing and conical members that distribute and absorb forces, with seals and bearing surfaces to prevent damage and rotation, allowing for longer life expectancy and reduced torsional stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastomeric bearing is used in rotorcraft applications, then it can provide some force management capability, but it suffers from reduced life expectancy and torsional buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer race, inner race, multiple conical rollers, and elastomeric material. Each segment handles specific force components - the conical rollers manage radial and axial loads while the elastomeric material absorbs torsional forces, preventing torsional buildup and extending bearing life
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing combines rigid components (outer race, inner race, conical rollers) with elastomeric material to create a composite structure. The rigid parts provide structural support and precise force management, while the elastomeric material provides torsional compliance and shock absorption, resolving the contradiction between reliability and torsional stress
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional bearing design is used, then it can support simple loads, but it fails to effectively manage multiple forces such as torsional, radial, axial, and cocking forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is designed as a multi-functional component where conical rollers handle radial and axial thrusts, elastomeric material absorbs torsional forces and accommodates misalignment, and the race structures provide geometric constraints. This universal design enables the single bearing to effectively manage all four force types (torsional, radial, axial, and cocking forces) simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing incorporates spherical geometry through conical rollers and curved race surfaces that conform to spherical motion paths. This spherical design enables the bearing to accommodate cocking forces and misalignment while maintaining reliable contact and force distribution across multiple load directions
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 hybrid bearing effectively protects against multiple forces, extends life expectancy, and reduces torsional buildup by distributing loads and allowing for free rotation of conical members, thereby alleviating stress on the elastomeric material.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing with a longer life expectancy... reduce torsional buildup in an elastomeric bearing... distributing loads and allowing for free rotation of conical members, thereby alleviating stress on the elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
conical members that distribute and absorb forces... allowing for free rotation of conical members
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a bearing features an elastomeric portion having an opening therethrough, a member disposed within the opening of the elastomeric portion, and a separation feature disposed between the member and the elastomeric portion. The member comprises a conical body portion arranged such that an interior diameter of the conical body portion is smaller than an exterior diameter of the conical body portion. The separation feature prevents contact between the member and the elastomeric portion.