Locking Bearing Assembly for Variable Thickness Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bearings lack advanced features for secure and versatile installation, particularly in structures with varying thicknesses, which limits their adaptability and reliability in different applications.
Innovation Solution
A bearing design featuring a generally cylindrical sidewall with a low friction material and an engagement feature, including a flange and radially extending features, which can be adapted to fit various structures through arcuate or polygonal relief portions, allowing for secure locking without additional flanges and accommodating different thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bearing uses a simple cylindrical design without additional installation features, then it is easy to manufacture and has simple structure, but it lacks secure locking capability and adaptability to varying structural thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into distinct functional segments: a cylindrical body portion for rotation, a flange for positioning, and radially extending features for locking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design transitions from a simple two-dimensional cylindrical surface to a three-dimensional structure with radially extending features that protrude outward. This dimensional addition enables secure locking capability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the features are formed as integral parts of the bearing body.
2Reliability
If a bearing includes additional flanges and complex features for secure locking, then it achieves reliable installation, but it increases manufacturing complexity and production cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing components are merged into a single integrated structure. The cylindrical body, flange, and radially extending locking features are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly steps. This merging maintains installation security while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design incorporates multi-functional elements where the radially extending features serve dual purposes: they provide secure locking engagement with the structure and can be used for alignment during installation. This universality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If a bearing has a simple design without alignment features, then it is easier to manufacture, but it lacks easy alignment and rotation capability during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing incorporates self-aligning features in the form of radially extending elements that automatically guide the bearing into proper alignment during installation. These features work passively without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 enhances the bearing's adaptability and security by enabling it to fit various structural dimensions, ensuring reliable installation and operation across a range of applications with different thicknesses, and allows for easy alignment and rotation using a complementary alignment tool.
Implementation Method 1
The low friction material can have a relatively low coefficient of friction, thus facilitating easier movement between the two or more movable components
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing can include a generally cylindrical sidewall, a flange extending radially from the generally cylindrical sidewall, and a feature extending radially from the generally cylindrical sidewall at a location disposed a distance from the flange. An assembly can include the beating and a structure having an opening with a relief portion adapted to receive the feature.