Offset Bearing Shell Geometry for Simpler Precision Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing shell designs and molding devices are complex, requiring multiple mold cores and slides, making manufacturing difficult and prone to errors, especially in achieving precise bearing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A simplified bearing shell design with two supporting points and a device using only two mold cores, where the radial distance of the mold core's outer contour to its central axis is less at the free end than at the opposite end, allowing for easier manufacturing and correction without slides, and enabling the shaping of bearing surfaces directly from the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple mold cores and slides are used to manufacture bearing shells, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold core is designed with an asymmetric profile where the radial distance from the outer contour of the free end to the central axis is less than the radial distance from the outer contour of the opposite end to the central axis. This asymmetric geometry enables the formation of complex bearing shell features with alternating bearing surfaces using only two simple mold cores, eliminating the need for complex slides and multiple mold cores while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple mold cores and slides to create bearing surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by using a two-part mold with asymmetric mold cores where the bearing surfaces are shaped directly from the body during molding. The mold cores are designed to directly form the alternating bearing surfaces through their asymmetric geometry, reversing the conventional approach of adding features after basic shaping
2Manufacturing precision
If slides and multiple mold cores are used, then bearing surfaces can be formed, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into two simple parts with two mold cores that can be transferred between working and non-working positions. Each mold core has a free end that offsets radially, allowing the formation of alternating bearing surfaces through simple translational movement rather than complex sliding mechanisms. This segmentation into two manageable components greatly improves ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional molding approach by designing mold cores whose asymmetric geometry directly forms the bearing surfaces during basic molding operations, rather than requiring additional sliding mechanisms and multiple cores. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to form precise bearing surfaces
3Productivity
If bearing surfaces are shaped out of the body, then manufacturing time is reduced, but manufacturing precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric mold cores are designed with pre-configured geometries that directly form the alternating bearing surfaces during the initial molding process. The bearing surfaces are created as integral features of the body rather than requiring subsequent machining or shaping operations. This preliminary action ensures both time efficiency and precision by forming accurate bearing surfaces in the primary molding operation
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing shell comprising a body with a clearance hole defined by an inner wall of the body. The bearing shell further includes at least a first bearing surface and at least a second bearing surface. The first bearing surface is located on a first end and the second bearing surface is located on a second end of the body. In order to provide a bearing shell of simpler design, the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, particularly shaped out of the body, are offset to each other in radial direction.