Spherical and Laminated Bearing Assembly Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laminated bearings used in rotary wing aircraft suffer damage from excessive angular pivoting or twisting motions, leading to reduced lifespan due to elastomeric layer degradation.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly combining a laminated bearing section with alternating elastomeric and metallic layers and a spherical bearing section, where the laminated section flexes at low torque and the spherical section slides at higher torque, preventing excessive stress on the elastomeric layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laminated bearing is used to support pivoting or twisting motions, then the bearing can accommodate angular displacement, but the elastomeric layers become damaged after prolonged use when the angular magnitude exceeds a certain threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into two distinct sections: a laminated bearing section for low-cycle motions and a spherical bearing section for high-cycle motions. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in handling specific torque ranges, preventing the elastomeric layers from experiencing damaging excessive angular displacements while maintaining overall adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly dynamically switches between two operational modes based on torque magnitude. At low torque levels, the laminated section flexes to accommodate motion. When torque exceeds a threshold, the spherical section engages and slides, taking over the high-cycle motions. This dynamic behavior protects the elastomeric layers from damage while maintaining versatility across different operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If the laminated bearing section flexes continuously to accommodate angular displacements, then the bearing maintains smooth motion, but the elastomeric layers accumulate stress and fail prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing dynamically transitions between laminated and spherical sections based on real-time torque conditions. During normal low-torque operation, the laminated section provides smooth flexing motion. When torque spikes occur, the spherical section engages to handle the high-cycle sliding motion, preventing stress accumulation in the elastomeric layers and extending bearing lifespan
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 bearing assembly extends the usable life of the elastomeric layers by accommodating both low-cycle and high-cycle angular displacements without damaging the elastomeric components, ensuring durability and reliability in rotary wing aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
The laminated bearing section is configured such that at least a portion of the laminated bearing section flexes when torque on at least one of the first and second members has a value less than a predetermined value
Implementation Method 2
the spherical bearing section is configured such that the spherical bearing inner member slidably displaces within the spherical bearing outer member when torque on the at least one of the first and second members has a value of at least the predetermined value
Data Source
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AI summary
A bearing assembly for coupling first (1) and second (2) members includes a housing coupled with, or integrally formed with the first member (1) , a laminated bearing section (14) and a spherical bearing section (16), each section disposed within a housing bore. The laminated bearing section (14) is configured such that at least a portion of the laminated bearing section (14) flexes when torque on the first and second members (1, 2) is less than a predetermined value. The spherical bearing section (14) is configured such that a spherical bearing inner member (28) slidably displaces within a spherical bearing outer member (24) when torque on the first and second members (1, 2) is at least the predetermined value.