Spherical Bearing Joint Collars for Tensile Load Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spherical joint assemblies lack robustness to tensile loads, which can lead to structural instability and failure under stress, particularly in applications like gas turbine engines where both compressive and tensile forces are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spherical joint assembly features a bearing sleeve with collars having radially tapering surfaces, forming annular channels that allow for pivotal movement and accommodate both compressive and tensile loads by ensuring the collars are sized with larger maximum radius values than the spherical bearing, preventing ovalization and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the collars are sized with larger maximum radius values than the spherical bearing, then the joint's ability to handle tensile loads is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collars feature radially tapering surfaces with different radius values at different locations. The maximum radius of the collar exceeds the spherical bearing radius at specific regions to create localized load-bearing zones that handle tensile loads, while other regions maintain simpler geometries. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows the structure to withstand tensile forces without requiring complete redesign of the entire collar geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs spherical bearing elements in conjunction with radially tapering collar surfaces. The spherical geometry of the bearing combined with the curved tapering surfaces of the collars creates a configuration that naturally distributes tensile and compressive loads through curved stress paths, improving load capacity while maintaining geometric efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the collars are sized with larger maximum radius values than the spherical bearing, then structural integrity under tensile loads is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radially tapering surfaces of the collars are designed with specific radius variations at localized regions rather than requiring uniform precision across the entire collar. The maximum radius exceeds the spherical bearing radius only at critical load-bearing zones, allowing manufacturing focus on specific high-precision areas while other regions can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collars accommodate both compressive and tensile loads through radially tapering surfaces, then the joint's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially tapering collar surfaces are designed to universally accommodate both compressive and tensile loads through a single geometric configuration. The same tapering surface geometry that provides tensile load capacity also facilitates compressive load distribution, eliminating the need for separate structural features for different load types and achieving multi-functionality within a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved radially tapering surfaces of the collars work in conjunction with the spherical bearing to provide universal load accommodation. The continuous curved geometry naturally adapts to both compression and tension by distributing stresses along the curved contact surfaces, allowing a single geometric form to handle multiple load types effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing joint assembly (10) includes a bearing sleeve (16), a first mount (24), a pair of second mounts (26A, 26B) and a fastener (18). The bearing sleeve (16) extends axially along a centerline (28) and includes a spherical bearing (42), a first collar (44) and a second collar (46). The spherical bearing (42) is axially between the first collar (44) and the second collar (46). An annular channel is formed by and extends axially between the spherical bearing (42) and the first collar (44). The first mount (24) is mounted on and slidably engages the spherical bearing (42). The bearing sleeve (16) is axially between the second mounts (26A, 26B). The fastener (18) projects through the bearing sleeve (16) and secures the bearing sleeve (16) to the second mounts (26A, 26B).