Segmented Viscoelastic Bushing for Bearing Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller bearing systems require high-dimensional accuracy machining, leading to assembly difficulties, excessive clearance, noise, and vibration due to inadequate dimensional repeatability and concentricity, especially in rotating electrical machines.
Innovation Solution
A segmented viscoelastic bushing is inserted between the wheel hub and bearing to absorb radial and axial expansion variations, eliminating the need for machining by using a high-pressure casting process and providing controlled elastic pressure to maintain concentricity and reduce noise and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining processes are used to achieve high dimensional accuracy in bearing hubs, then bearing concentricity and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a segmented viscoelastic bushing as an intermediary component between the bearing and the wheel hub. This bushing absorbs dimensional variations and thermal expansions, eliminating the need for high-precision machining of the hub while maintaining bearing concentricity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid machined metal to flexible viscoelastic polymer segments. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate dimensional variations through material deformation rather than requiring precise machining tolerances.
2Reliability
If high-precision machining is performed on bearing hubs, then bearing stability and noise reduction are improved, but manufacturing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented viscoelastic bushing serves as a mediator that compensates for dimensional inaccuracies, allowing faster, less precise manufacturing processes while maintaining bearing stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using viscoelastic material properties specifically at the interface between bearing and hub, where dimensional compensation is needed, while the rest of the hub can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
3Strength
If conventional rigid bushings are used in bearing assemblies, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to dimensional variations and thermal expansion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structure with multiple viscoelastic segments that provide both structural strength and flexibility. The segmented design allows the material to deform and adapt to dimensional variations while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to viscoelastic, which allows the bushing to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on operating conditions, providing both strength and adaptability to thermal expansion and dimensional variations.
4Use of energy by moving object
If air gap clearance is reduced to improve motor performance, then magnetizing current decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented viscoelastic bushing acts as a mediator that compensates for air gap variations caused by manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, allowing the use of larger air gaps without compromising motor performance or requiring ultra-precise machining.
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 segmented viscoelastic bushing effectively compensates for up to 30% air gap variations, preventing bearing wear and noise, while simplifying the production process and ensuring smooth operation without the need for precision machining of the wheel hub.
Implementation Method 1
A segmented viscoelastic bushing is inserted between the wheel hub and bearing to absorb radial and axial expansion variations
Implementation Method 2
providing controlled elastic pressure to maintain concentricity and reduce noise and vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The segmented viscoelastic bushing for rating electrical machines bearing is disclosed herein, and is designed to absorb radial and axial expansion variations during the rotating electrical machine operation. The bushing is configured to be housed between the bearing and the wheel hub in order to absorb impacts, while allowing for a controlled level of axial and radial movement of the bearing resulting from the existing clearance between the bearing and the outer ring of the bearing.