Slide Bearing With Thermoplastic Elastomer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing slide bearings for strut-type suspensions face issues with uneven contact between the sliding sheet and the center plate due to unbalanced loads, leading to lubricant leakage and increased torque requirements over time, affecting the smooth rotation of the strut assembly.
Innovation Solution
The slide bearing incorporates an annular center plate and sliding sheet made of thermoplastic elastomer with a lower elastic modulus, featuring recessed portions filled with lubricant, ensuring consistent contact and preventing lubricant leakage even under unbalanced loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sliding sheet and center plate are used in the slide bearing, then the load support capability is improved, but uneven contact and lubricant leakage occur due to unbalanced loads
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet is designed as a flexible thin film component that can elastically deform to conform to the bearing surface. This flexibility allows the sliding sheet to maintain uniform contact with the center plate even when unbalanced loads are applied, preventing gap formation and lubricant leakage while still supporting the load effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the sliding sheet are specifically selected with appropriate elastic modulus to enable elastic deformation under load. This parameter change allows the sliding sheet to adapt its contact pressure distribution dynamically, ensuring uniform contact across the bearing surface regardless of load direction or magnitude
2Strength
If the sliding sheet and center plate are made of rigid materials, then the structural strength is improved, but the sealing performance of lubricant deteriorates under unbalanced loads
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sheet functions as a flexible barrier that can deform to seal gaps between itself and the center plate. This flexible sealing mechanism prevents lubricant from leaking through gaps that would form under unbalanced loads, while the overall structure maintains sufficient strength through proper material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sheet is designed with sufficient thickness and appropriate material properties to provide beforehand cushioning against gap formation. This pre-engineered flexibility acts as a cushion that absorbs the effects of unbalanced loads before they can create gaps large enough to allow lubricant leakage
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 enhances the sealing performance of the lubricant, maintaining effective lubrication over a long period and supporting loads while allowing smooth rotation of the shaft member.
Implementation Method 1
one of an annular center plate and an annular sliding sheet which are placed in an annular space formed by combining an upper case and a lower case, is formed of thermoplastic elastomer having a lower elastic modulus (lower rigidity) than the material of the other
Implementation Method 2
at least one of a surface of the center plate and a surface of the sliding sheet which are in sliding contact with each other, is provided with a recessed portion to be filled with lubricant
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(D)
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(D)
AI summary
A slide bearing (1) is provided with an upper case (2) attached to an upper support for attaching a strut assembly to a vehicle body, a lower case (3) which is rotatably combined with the upper case (2) and which forms an annular space (7), and an annular center plate (4) and sliding sheet (5) disposed in the annular space (7). The upper case (2) has a load-transmitting surface (27) constituting part of an upper surface of the annular space (7), the center plate (4) is provided with an annular recess (43) filled with a lubricant, and the center plate (4) has a bearing surface (41) for supporting loads exerted on the load-transmitting surface (27). The sliding sheet (5), which is disposed between the load-transmitting surface (27) and the bearing surface (41), has a sliding surface (51) that slides against the bearing surface (41). The sliding sheet (5) is formed of a thermoplastic plastic, and the center plate (4) is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer having a lower modulus of elasticity than the thermoplastic plastic.