Sliding Bearing Pumping Pattern for Reduced X-Ray Tube Eccentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end rotating anode X-Ray tubes face challenges with existing self-lubricated sliding bearings that are insufficient for high gantry and anode rotation speeds, leading to eccentricity and reduced load-bearing capacity due to radial loads and centrifugal forces.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricated sliding bearing design featuring a first and second bearing member with a lubricant gap, where the second bearing member has a modified pumping pattern or smooth surface region to counteract radial loads, reducing eccentricity and enhancing load-bearing capacity without requiring a full redesign of the bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional self-lubricated sliding bearing with optimized groove angle is used, then the load carrying capacity is optimized, but the bearing cannot resist demanding conditions at high gantry and anode rotation speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is divided into different regions with different groove patterns. The first region has a pumping pattern optimized for load carrying capacity, while the second region has a modified pumping pattern or smooth surface to counteract radial loads and reduce eccentricity at high speeds. This local differentiation allows the bearing to handle both high speeds and demanding conditions effectively.
2Force
If the groove angle is optimized for load carrying capacity, then the bearing can support radial loads, but eccentricity increases under radial load forces
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the bearing surface are assigned different functions: the first region with pumping pattern handles load carrying, while the second region with modified pumping pattern or smooth surface specifically addresses eccentricity reduction by counteracting radial load forces through controlled lubricant flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The second region with modified pumping pattern is designed to preemptively counteract the eccentricity-causing radial load forces by creating a bearing force that opposes these forces, thereby reducing eccentricity before it can significantly develop during operation.
3Speed
If a full redesign of the bearing is performed to handle high rotation speeds, then the bearing can resist centrifugal forces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely redesigning the bearing, only specific regions are modified with different pumping patterns. This localized approach allows the bearing to handle high rotation speeds and centrifugal forces while maintaining the overall simple and proven bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is segmented into distinct regions with different groove patterns, allowing each region to be optimized for specific functions without requiring a complete redesign of the entire bearing structure.
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 solution effectively reduces eccentricity and enhances the load-bearing capacity of the self-lubricated sliding bearing, allowing for faster gantry rotation speeds in X-Ray imaging systems without redesigning the bearing, thereby increasing the longevity and reliability of the X-Ray tube.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping pattern configured to pump the lubricant
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant comprised in a gap between cooperating surfaces of the first bearing member the second bearing member
Implementation Method 3
the demanding conditions caused thereby
Data Source
AI summary
A self-lubricated sliding bearing for a rotary X-ray tube comprises a first bearing member, a second bearing member configured to concentrically enclose a portion of the first bearing member, and a lubricant comprised in a gap between cooperating surfaces of the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a first region comprising a pumping pattern configured to pump the lubricant. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a second region having a modified pumping pattern or a smooth surface. The second region is disposed on the cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member, such that a bearing force generated by the pumping action of the lubricant opposes a radial load force exerted on the self-lubricated sliding bearing to reduce an eccentricity of a longitudinal axis of the first bearing member with respect to a longitudinal axis of second bearing member.