Plain Bearing Assembly With Integrated Spacing and Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plain bearings lack the ability to maintain a secure fit and consistent spacing between components in various environments, particularly in applications requiring rotational or sliding movements, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A plain bearing design featuring a generally cylindrical sidewall with a radially projecting feature and an axially spaced flange, allowing for adjustable spacing between components, formed from a single sheet of material with a low friction layer, enabling secure engagement and reduced friction between moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional bearing bush is used without auxiliary components, then the installation is simplified, but the secure fit and consistent spacing between components cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single bearing bush structure: the flange provides both spacing and securing functions, while the groove receives an interference fit element to ensure secure mounting. This integration eliminates the need for separate auxiliary components while maintaining reliable component positioning and secure fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interference fit element as an intermediary component that fits into the groove of the bearing bush. This element mediates between the bearing bush and the component to be mounted, providing secure attachment while allowing the bearing bush itself to maintain its simplified single-piece structure.
2Volume of moving object
If components are closely spaced to reduce assembly size, then the compactness is improved, but the operational efficiency and alignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure allows for adjustable spacing between components, enabling the assembly to be optimized for either compactness or operational efficiency depending on the specific application requirements. The spacing can be dynamically adjusted by modifying the flange dimensions without changing the fundamental bearing bush design.
3Reliability
If multiple auxiliary components are added to ensure secure fit, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing function into the bearing bush structure itself through the integrated groove and flange design. Instead of requiring multiple separate auxiliary components, the bearing bush incorporates features that provide both spacing and secure mounting capabilities, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Strength
If friction between moving parts is increased to improve grip, then the engagement security is improved, but the energy efficiency and operational smoothness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different parts of the bearing bush: the outer surface of the flange and the groove provide high friction for secure engagement, while the inner bearing surface maintains low friction for smooth rotational movement. This localized differentiation of surface properties allows simultaneous achievement of secure engagement and energy efficiency.
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 bearing design ensures a secure fit and consistent spacing, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability across different environments by allowing for precise adjustment and reduced friction, suitable for applications in automotive, aeronautical, and machining fields.
Implementation Method 1
a low friction layer, enabling secure engagement and reduced friction between moving parts
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a bearing including a generally cylindrical sidewall having a thickness, tSW; a circumferentially extending feature projecting radially outward from the generally cylindrical sidewall, wherein the circumferentially extending feature has an axial height of at least about 2.0 tSW; and a flange disposed at an axial end of the generally cylindrical sidewall and spaced apart from the circumferentially extending feature. In another embodiment, an assembly including a first component comprising an aperture; a second component coaxial with respect to the first component; and a bearing disposed axially between the first and second components and at least partially within the aperture of the first component, wherein the first and second components are spaced apart from one another by a distance, D, and wherein the bearing is visible from a side elevation view along the entire distance, D.