Spherical Bearing Drive Link Hub for High Load Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive link hubs in high-load applications, such as those used in gas turbine engines, are susceptible to fractures under high stress due to bending of the bearing pin, leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A drive link assembly featuring a spherically formed inner ring with spacers that line the perimeter of the spherical bearing, replacing the traditional hub to reduce the risk of fracture and maintain desired range of motion, with spacers made from materials like metal, ceramic, mineral, or plastic, and a rod affixed to the outer surface of the spherical bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hubs are used to cover the bearing in high-load applications, then the structure provides adequate support, but the hub is susceptible to fractures under high stress due to bearing pin bending
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hub into multiple segments: the bearing hub itself and multiple spacer elements positioned around the perimeter. This segmentation allows the spacers to share the load and prevent stress concentration at any single point, eliminating the fracture issue while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses different materials for the hub and spacers. The spacers can be made from materials with different mechanical properties than the hub, allowing optimization for specific functions. This composite approach enables the spacers to resist bending stresses that would cause hub fractures.
2Reliability
If spacers are added to line the perimeter of the spherical bearing, then the risk of hub fracture is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they support the bearing perimeter, distribute loads to prevent hub fractures, and maintain the desired range of motion. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by consolidating several protective and functional roles into single elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies geometric parameters by positioning spacers at specific locations around the bearing perimeter and designing them with particular dimensions. These parameter optimizations ensure that the spacers effectively prevent fractures while minimizing interference with the bearing's range of motion, balancing reliability with simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive link assembly includes a case having a spherically formed inner ring. A clevis is affixed to a surface of the case such that is disposed horizontally between a first end and a second end of the clevis. A spacer having a spherical inset portion is positioned on the surface horizontally between the clevis and the spherically formed inner ring, such that the spherical inset portion is aligned with the spherically formed inner ring. A spherical bearing is seated within the spherically formed inner ring. A rod is affixed to an outer surface of the spherical bearing.