Spherical Bearing Clearance Adjustment for Damper Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damper systems face inefficiencies due to unadjustable internal clearances in bearings, which impede the effectiveness of tuned mass dampers in mitigating vibrations in tall, slender buildings, particularly under conditions of misalignment, high loads, and varying structural movements.
Innovation Solution
A spherical bearing assembly with a lubricious liner and clearance adjustment mechanism, featuring a ball and enclosure segments with alignment features and anti-rotation devices, allowing for adjustable clearance and efficient operation under angular misalignment, high tensile and compressive loads, and accommodating significant misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art ball and socket bearings are used, then the bearing can accommodate misalignment, but the internal clearances cannot be adjusted leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly incorporates an adjustable clearance mechanism that allows the internal clearances to be modified after assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the bearing to optimize its performance under different operating conditions while maintaining misalignment accommodation, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides a mechanism to change the clearance parameter of the bearing after assembly. By adjusting the clearance between the ball and socket surfaces, the bearing can be optimized for specific applications, improving damping efficiency without sacrificing misalignment capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If tolerance stack up between assembled components is allowed, then assembly is easier, but bearing clearances cannot be optimized leading to excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing components are designed with preliminary clearance adjustments built into the assembly process. The adjustable clearance mechanism allows for optimization of clearances during assembly, ensuring that tolerance stack-up does not lead to excessive movement while maintaining ease of assembly through a systematic adjustment procedure.
3Loss of energy
If frictional forces are present at joints, then structural damping is provided, but movement of the TMD mass is impeded reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing clearance can be adjusted to optimize the balance between frictional damping and mass movement freedom. By controlling the clearance parameter, the system can achieve sufficient damping while minimizing excessive friction that would impede the TMD mass movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy dissipation and operational freedom.
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 spherical bearing assembly enhances the performance and reliability of damper systems by minimizing friction and accommodating varying loads and misalignments, thereby improving the damping efficiency and structural stability of tall buildings.
Implementation Method 1
A lubricious liner is disposed between the enclosure and the ball
Data Source
AI summary
A spherical bearing for a damper system includes a first segment and a second segment with a ball therebetween. The ball includes a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft extends out of the first segment. A lubricious liner is disposed between the first segment and the second segment.