Bearing Assembly with Oblique Thrust Surfaces for Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing assemblies in drilling apparatuses face challenges in efficiently transferring thrust loads while accommodating radial deflection and tilting of shafts, leading to misalignment and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly comprising a focal bearing assembly and a thrust bearing assembly with complementary oblique thrust surfaces, arranged in a load sharing configuration to distribute thrust loads effectively and accommodate tilting, enhancing the overall thrust bearing capacity and reducing the size of the bearing assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single thrust bearing is used to transfer thrust loads, then the bearing assembly size is reduced, but the bearing capacity and load distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing assembly is segmented into multiple individual thrust bearings (at least two) arranged in parallel, each bearing a portion of the total thrust load. This segmentation increases the overall bearing capacity while distributing the load across multiple elements, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple thrust bearings are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit for transferring thrust loads. The complementary oblique thrust surfaces of multiple bearings are combined to create a unified load-bearing structure, achieving high capacity without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing assembly is designed to accommodate radial deflection and tilting, then the adaptability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly incorporates oblique thrust surfaces that can dynamically adapt to varying load conditions and shaft positions. The oblique geometry allows the bearing surfaces to self-adjust during operation, maintaining proper alignment even when accommodating radial deflection and tilting movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust surfaces are designed with asymmetric oblique angles rather than symmetric flat surfaces. This asymmetric geometry enables the bearings to accommodate tilting and radial deflection while maintaining optimal contact and alignment under load, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
3Productivity
If multiple thrust bearings are arranged in a load sharing configuration, then the thrust load distribution is improved, but the bearing assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearings are arranged in a compact configuration utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The oblique thrust surfaces are oriented at specific angles to maximize load sharing while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the bearing assembly, allowing high productivity without excessive volume increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a housing, a shaft rotatably extending through the housing, and a bearing assembly for supporting the shaft within the housing, wherein the bearing assembly includes a focal bearing assembly for accommodating tilting of the shaft within the housing and a thrust bearing assembly for transferring thrust loads between the housing and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing assembly includes at least two thrust bearings arranged in a load sharing configuration and complementary oblique thrust surfaces for transferring thrust loads through the thrust bearings.