Integrated Shock Bearing Assembly for Narrow Mounting Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock assemblies face challenges in installing integrated bearing hardware in narrow mounting interfaces and enclosed spaces, leading to issues like premature wear and increased friction due to heat and cooling cycles, which affect performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of full-complement fully sealed bearings with a clearance or slip fit configuration, where only the outer race of the bearing contacts the mounting feature, and the use of bearing covers to prevent movement during installation, combined with a relief design to maintain alignment and reduce friction, allows for efficient installation and operation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If integrated bearing hardware is installed in narrow mounting interfaces, then the shock assembly can be installed in enclosed spaces, but friction increases and wear accelerates due to heat and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing hardware is segmented into multiple components: a first bearing at a first side of the mounting feature, a second bearing at a second side, and an axle connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and distributed the mechanical loads more effectively, reducing friction and wear in the confined space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing relief behind the bearing bores so that only the outer race of the bearings contacts the mounting feature body. This prevents premature wear by ensuring proper load distribution before thermal cycling occurs, and the bearing covers are installed beforehand to prevent movement during installation and operation
2Area of stationary object
If bearings are installed in enclosed spaces with narrow mounting interfaces, then installation space is reduced, but alignment becomes difficult and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing relief behind the bearing bores before the bearings are installed. This relief ensures that when the bearings are pressed into place, only the outer race contacts the mounting feature body, maintaining proper alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures in the confined space
Solution Approach 2:
The axle serves as an intermediary component that connects the two bearings and maintains their relative positions. This intermediary element simplifies the installation process by providing a reference for alignment and ensuring proper spacing between the bearings in the narrow mounting interface
3Strength
If bearing hardware is integrated into the shock assembly, then performance is maintained under load, but installation complexity increases in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the integrated bearing hardware assembly: the two bearings provide load support in both compression and rebound, the axle provides positioning and connection, and the bearing covers provide protection and prevent movement. This merging maintains strength while reducing the number of separate components that would need to be installed separately in tight spaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for installing integrated bearing hardware in a shock assembly (18), said method comprising: installing a first bearing (420) at a first side of a mounting feature (110) of said shock assembly (18); inserting an axle (300) into said mounting feature (110), said axle inserted through a second side of said mounting feature until said axle abuts said first bearing (420); installing a second bearing (425) at said second side of said mounting feature (110) to retain said axle (300).