Switchable Hydrostatic Bearing for Telescope Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrostatic bearing designs for large structures like telescopes are sensitive to structural deflections and load variations due to statically undetermined load sharing, especially when the system is shut off, as they rely on either static or dynamic stiffness, leading to inefficient load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic bearing that combines the functionality of both slave and master bearings by switching between a retracted state with hydraulic activation and an extended state with hydraulic passivation, allowing for adaptive load sharing during operation and static support when not in use, utilizing a two-part member with a lower and upper hydraulic piston that can move between these states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mix of master bearings (with static stiffness) and slave bearings (without static stiffness) is used, then load sharing and eigen frequency properties are improved during operation, but when the system is shut off only master bearings carry load reducing overall load distribution efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing design incorporates a dynamic switching mechanism where the lower member can move between extended and retracted states, allowing the bearing to transition between master and slave bearing modes. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to optimize load sharing during operation while maintaining load carrying capacity when shut off.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the stiffness parameter of the bearing by altering the position of the lower member. When extended, the bearing has static stiffness (master bearing mode). When retracted, the static stiffness is reduced or eliminated (slave bearing mode). This parameter change allows the same bearing to function differently based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional hydrostatic bearings with static stiffness are used when shut off, then load is supported, but the bearings become sensitive to structural deflections and temperature variations during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system dynamically adjusts its stiffness characteristics by moving the lower member between extended and retracted positions. During operation, the bearing operates in slave mode (retracted) to reduce sensitivity to structural deflections. When shut off, it switches to master mode (extended) to provide load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The static stiffness parameter of the bearing is changed by altering the lower member position. When retracted, static stiffness is minimized to reduce sensitivity to harmful factors. When extended, static stiffness is maximized to provide load support when shut off.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lower member is held in extended position, then static stiffness is provided, but the bearing cannot adapt to track irregularities during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lower member is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, enabling the bearing to switch between static and dynamic modes. During operation, the retracted position allows adaptability to track irregularities. When shut off, the extended position provides static stiffness for load support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing's static stiffness parameter is dynamically changed by moving the lower member. In the retracted state, static stiffness is reduced to enable adaptability. In the extended state, static stiffness is increased to provide stability when shut off.
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 ensures stable and adaptive load sharing between hydrostatic bearings both during operation and when the system is shut off, leveraging the advantages of both slave and master bearings, such as adaptive irregularity handling and energy-independent support.
Implementation Method 1
An upper member is controllable by a pressurizing fluid and arranged inside the upper chamber
Implementation Method 2
A structure of large dimensions, such as a large telescope having a diameter e.g. in the range of from 10 m to 60 m, a large antenna, a debarking drum, and a grinding mill, may advantageously be supported and/or guided hydrostatically
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrostatic bearing is provided which may include foot part supporting a load-carrying unit, a head part, and body part forming a lower chamber and an upper chamber. A lower member is supported by the load-carrying unit and arranged inside the lower chamber. An upper member is controllable by a pressurizing fluid and arranged inside the upper chamber. The lower member is controllably moveable along a central axis of the hydrostatic bearing between a retracted state, where the lower member is distanced from the upper member, and an extended state, where the lower member is also in contact with the upper member. The hydrostatic bearing acts both as a conventional slave bearing and a conventional master bearing.