Plain Bearing Collar Segmentation for Assembly Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plain bearing systems face challenges in achieving a secure and cost-effective fit within bearing receiving means, particularly in mass production, due to dimensional deviations in metal plates and complex structures.

Innovation Solution

The plain bearing system features a hollow-cylindrical body with radially extending flanges and bent-over collar portions that contact both sides of the receiving means, eliminating the need for a press fit by utilizing a receiving opening that opens into two side faces, allowing the collar portions to be bent over to form a second flange for a firm hold, and can be assembled in two steps using a tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the receiving opening is machined with close tolerances to achieve a tight press fit, then the firmness of the plain bearing fit is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional tolerance of receiving openingVSAvoidcomplexity of bearing system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is divided into multiple collar portions (at least two) that can be independently bent over different sides of the receiving means. This segmentation allows each collar portion to independently secure the plain bearing against different surfaces, distributing the securing function across multiple elements rather than requiring a single complex press fit structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar portions are designed to be bendable from an unbent state to a bent-over state, transforming the bearing installation from a static press fit to a dynamic assembly process. The collar portions can be bent over during assembly to contact both sides of the receiving means, providing secure fixation without requiring precise dimensional tolerances for the receiving opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a press fit assembly method is used to securely fit the plain bearing, then the firmness of the fit is improved, but the assembly time and production efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmness of plain bearing fitVSAvoidassembly speed in mass production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar portions are pre-formed on the plain bearing in an unbent state, allowing the plain bearing to be first inserted into the receiving opening without resistance. The bending action is then applied to the collar portions to secure the bearing in place, separating the insertion and securing operations into distinct steps that can be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the collar into multiple bendable portions, the assembly process can proceed with simple insertion followed by bending operations on individual collar portions, rather than requiring complex press fit equipment and procedures, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If dimensional deviations in metal plates are allowed for mass production, then the manufacturing cost and ease of production are improved, but the fit quality and stability of the bearing system deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance requirements for receiving meansVSAvoidstability of plain bearing fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the critical parameter from the dimensional tolerance of the receiving opening to the bendability and contact geometry of the collar portions. By making the collar portions bendable and designing them to contact both sides of the receiving means, the system becomes insensitive to dimensional variations in the receiving opening, allowing mass production with relaxed tolerances while maintaining stable fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a simpler, less expensive structure with improved fit and reduced tolerance requirements, enabling mass production of plain bearing systems with enhanced stability and ease of assembly, suitable for prefabricated parts.

Implementation Method 1

a ring (6) of peripherally spaced collar portions (7) which are bent over outwardly to afford a second flange (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9163667B2Slide bearing, slide bearing system and assembly of a slide bearing system

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 IGUS SE & CO KG

AI summary

A plain bearing 1 comprising a hollow-cylindrical plain bearing body and a first flange arranged at a first end of the plain bearing body and extending radially outwardly, as well as a plain bearing system comprising the plain bearing and a bearing receiving means and a method of assembling the plain bearing system.To provide a plain bearing which for a press fit in a bearing receiving means allows greater dimensional tolerances in respect of the bearing receiving means, a ring of axially extending and peripherally spaced collar portions is provided at the second end of the plain bearing body, which is in opposite relationship to the first end, which collar portions can be bent over outwardly to afford a second flange.