Journal Bearing Axial Play Adjustment via Bushing Deformation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting axial play in journal bearings are costly and lack precision, as they rely on accurate manufacturing of geometrical dimensions which can be affected by thermal fluctuations and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the insertion of a journal into a bearing, forming a form-locking and/or force-locking connection with a bushing using a spacer to define and set the axial play, allowing for precise adjustment during assembly, using a bushing deformation to establish a stable connection between the journal and the bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the geometrical dimensions of the bearing and journal are manufactured with high precision to set axial play, then the axial play setting accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the axial play setting function into separate components: a bearing, a journal, and a removable spacer element. The spacer is a distinct segment that can be independently manufactured with precise thickness to define the axial play, while the bearing and journal can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This segmentation allows the critical precision requirement to be localized to only the spacer component rather than the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the bearing and journal that mediates the axial play setting. Instead of requiring high-precision manufacturing of the bearing and journal themselves, the spacer serves as a mediating component that physically defines the axial distance through its thickness, compensating for dimensional variations in the other components.
2Reliability
If the geometrical dimensions are chosen to accommodate thermal fluctuations and mechanical stress, then the reliability is improved, but the axial play accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution introduces dynamic adjustability to the axial play setting. The removable spacer allows the axial play to be adjusted dynamically during assembly or maintenance to compensate for thermal expansions and mechanical stresses that occur during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain reliable performance under varying conditions while achieving accurate axial play setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer thickness serves as a controllable parameter that can be selected or adjusted to achieve the desired axial play value. By changing the spacer thickness parameter, the system can accommodate different operating conditions including thermal fluctuations and mechanical stresses, while maintaining precise axial play control through the selected spacer dimension.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective setting of axial play with an accuracy of less than 0.2 mm, compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies and accommodating thermal fluctuations, while maintaining a stable connection between the journal and the bearing.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a form-locking and/or force-locking connection between the bushing and the journal by at least partial deformation of the bushing
Data Source
AI summary
A method adjusts axial play of a journal mounted in a bearing. A bearing axis defines a z-direction. A positive z-direction points from first to second bearing ends. The journal inserted into the bearing in the positive z-direction is moved to a first form-locking engagement in the positive z-direction between journal and bearing. A spacer at the second end defines axial play. A bushing is placed onto a journal segment protruding from the bearing at the second end in the positive z-direction. A form-locking and/or force-locking connection is established between bushing and journal by deforming the bushing and locating the spacer along the z-direction between bushing and second end. The spacer contacts the bushing and second end. The spacer is removed. A device having a bearing and a journal mounted and relatively movable therein within axial play is also provided.