Journal Foil Bearing Spacer Insert for Shaft Pre-Load Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foil bearing systems face challenges in controlling pre-load and manufacturing efficiency due to difficulties in managing bearing component dimensions, leading to unacceptable pre-load and inefficient assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A journal foil bearing system with a journal member having an internal groove and a foil support insert member that includes a spacer to maintain the top foil ends separated, allowing for precise control of pre-load and simplified manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional foil bearing systems are used without additional support structures, then the structure is simpler, but the pre-load control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A foil support insert member is introduced as an intermediary component between the journal member and the foils. This insert member includes a spacer that positions the ends of the top foil, thereby mediating the control of pre-load applied to the shaft. The intermediary structure enables precise pre-load control without requiring complex manufacturing of the entire bearing system.
2Productivity
If conventional foil bearing systems are used without modular components, then the part count is lower, but the assembly efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into modular components: a journal member with an internal groove, removable foil support insert members, and foils. The foil support insert members can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the journal member, simplifying the overall assembly process and improving manufacturing efficiency despite increasing the part count.
3Reliability
If the foil pre-load is increased to improve shaft support, then the shaft stability is improved, but the bearing wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert member includes a spacer with specific dimensional parameters (length, width, thickness) that can be varied to control the pre-load applied to the shaft. By changing these parameters, the system achieves optimal balance between shaft support stability and bearing wear reduction. The spacer dimensions are selected to provide appropriate pre-load without excessive force that would cause wear.
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 system achieves precise and selective control of pre-load on the shaft, enhancing operational spring stiffness while reducing pre-load and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing foil that is received radially between the journal member and the shaft and that extends circumferentially about the axis
Implementation Method 2
The spacer member maintains the top foil first end and the top foil second end separated, at least, at a distance
Data Source
AI summary
A journal foil bearing system includes a journal member with a bore and an internal groove. The system includes a shaft received within the bore and supported for rotation relative to the journal member about an axis. The groove extends substantially along the axis. The system also includes at least one biasing foil and a top foil member with at least one arch-bound top foil. The top foil member has a top foil first end and a top foil second end. Additionally, the system includes a foil support insert member that is received within the groove. The foil support insert member includes a spacer member that is disposed between the top foil first and second ends. The spacer member maintains the top foil first and second ends separated, at least, at a distance.