Split-Sleeve Foil Bearing Assembly for Easier Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing processes for film bearings with a storage sleeve are labor-intensive due to the complex connection of sub-bodies, requiring significant effort and tools for assembly and processing.

Innovation Solution

The storage sleeve is designed with axial dividing lines that allow it to be easily separated into two sub-bodies, which can be processed and reassembled, with features like notches and axial grooves for film fixation, simplifying the assembly and processing by allowing for welding and the use of an assembly aid device for film installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the storage sleeve is made as a one-piece structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty of processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The storage sleeve is divided into multiple separable sub-bodies connected by dividing lines. This allows each sub-body to be manufactured and processed independently with simpler tools, while the dividing lines ensure proper alignment and reassembly to maintain structural integrity of the complete storage sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the storage sleeve is divided into multiple sub-bodies, then the ease of manufacture and handling is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handlingVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing lines are pre-marked on the storage sleeve before separation into sub-bodies. These dividing lines serve as guides for reassembly, ensuring that sub-bodies are correctly aligned and positioned during assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity despite the multi-component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If fracture force is applied to separate the storage sleeve, then the separation process is simplified, but the risk of uncontrolled breaking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation processVSAvoidbreaking control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The storage sleeve is designed with predetermined dividing lines that segment the structure into manageable sub-bodies. These dividing lines act as controlled weak points that guide the fracture force to specific locations, enabling clean separation while maintaining precision and control over the breaking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3803142B1Foil bearing
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3803142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803142B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3803142B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a foil bearing (1) having at least one foil (3, 4) which is arranged within a bearing sleeve (2). In order to simplify the production of the foil bearing (1), the bearing sleeve (2) comprises at least two partial bodies (31, 32) which are separate and joined together again.