Hydrodynamic Sliding Bearing Contour for Combined Axial-Radial Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrodynamic plain bearings require separate design and production for radial and axial load handling, leading to high costs and energy consumption, as they cannot efficiently manage combined loads without additional manufacturing effort or external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic plain bearing with a rotor and stator featuring a continuous, three-dimensionally varying bearing contour formed from multiple contour sections, allowing for simultaneous generation of radial and axial load capacities through hydrodynamic pressure, eliminating the need for separate axial and radial bearings and external energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If separate axial and radial bearings are used to handle combined loads, then the load-carrying capacity is sufficient, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines axial and radial bearing functions into a single integrated bearing structure. The bearing surface features a continuous contour with varying curvature that simultaneously generates hydrodynamic pressure for both axial and radial load support, eliminating the need for separate bearing components and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is designed with a universal contour profile that performs multiple functions: it generates hydrodynamic pressure for axial load support through its inclined sections, and simultaneously provides radial load support through its curved geometry. This multi-functional design allows a single bearing to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Force
If hydrostatic sliding bearings with pressure pumps are used to support combined loads, then the load-carrying capacity is sufficient, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing generates its own hydrodynamic pressure through the relative motion between the bearing surfaces. The continuous contour with varying curvature automatically creates the necessary pressure distribution as the rotor rotates, without requiring external energy input from pumps or other power sources. The bearing essentially serves itself by converting mechanical motion directly into pressure for load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure pump system with a hydrodynamic pressure generation mechanism. Instead of using a pump to force lubricant into the bearing gap (hydrostatic), the design uses the relative motion and geometry of the bearing surfaces to generate pressure naturally (hydrodynamic), eliminating the need for additional mechanical energy input devices.
3Force
If spiral grooves are incorporated into the rotor bearing surface to generate pressure, then the load-carrying capacity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bearing surface from conventional flat or simple curved surfaces to a continuous contour with specifically varied curvature. This parameter change in the surface geometry enables natural hydrodynamic pressure generation through the bearing's operation, replacing the need for additional features like spiral grooves while maintaining or improving pressure generation capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional cylindrical or segmented bearings are used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the adaptability to varying loads and temperatures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface employs a dynamic contour profile with continuously varying curvature rather than static geometric shapes. This dynamic geometry allows the bearing to automatically adapt its pressure distribution and load-carrying characteristics in response to varying operational conditions such as changing loads, speeds, and temperatures, while still being manufacturable through modern forming processes.
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 design reduces production and operational costs, increases power density in a smaller space, and adapts to varying loads and temperatures, enhancing the bearing's load-carrying capacity and efficiency by leveraging the vectorial sum of local force components.
Implementation Method 1
When the rotor rotates relative to the stator, shear forces are generated in the lubricant, which then transport it through the bearing at a specific speed. With a converging bearing gap, this results in a hydrodynamic pressure increase
Implementation Method 2
When the rotor rotates relative to the stator, shear forces are generated in the lubricant, which then transport it through the bearing at a specific speed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic sliding bearing having a rotor (10) and a stator (20), the rotor being rotatable relative to the stator. The bearing surface (13) of the rotor lies opposite a mating surface (21) of the stator in order to generate hydrodynamic pressure in the region of a convergent gap. In order to improve the usage properties of a hydrodynamic sliding bearing of this type, the rotor bearing surface and/or the mating surface, when viewed in longitudinal cross-section through the axis of rotation, form a continuous bearing contour consisting of convex or concave curvatures and/or at least two contour sections which are straight and/or curved.