Spring-Biased Bearing Arrangement for Thermal Expansion Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bearing assemblies in extreme environments face challenges due to varying clearances between moving parts caused by dimensional changes of components, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A bearing arrangement with protrusions biased towards an outer surface via a thinned down portion acting as a spring, maintaining contact and concentricity despite radial dimension changes, and featuring a convex radial surface with reduced friction through surface treatment, allowing for adaptive engagement with structures that expand and contract.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid bearing components are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to dimensional changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing clearance controlVSAvoidadaptation to thermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion is designed with a thinned down portion that changes its physical state from rigid to flexible under thermal stress, allowing it to deform elastically in response to dimensional changes while maintaining contact with the outer surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing arrangement transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the protrusion can adapt its position and deformation state based on thermal conditions, enabling continuous contact despite dimensional variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If clearance is eliminated through precise manufacturing, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thinned down portion of the protrusion automatically adjusts its deformation state in response to dimensional changes, self-regulating the contact pressure and maintaining consistent contact without requiring external control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deformation capability of the thinned down portion pre-compensates for potential clearance variations, ensuring continuous contact is maintained even before dimensional changes occur due to thermal effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution ensures consistent contact and reduced wear by spreading the point of contact over a convex surface, maintaining concentricity and minimizing friction, even under extreme temperature-induced dimensional variations, thus stabilizing the bearing assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one thinned down portion deforms elastically more than the member or the protrusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3341288B1Bearing arrangement and an aircraft

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORP

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AI summary

A bearing arrangement for use with a structure defining an outer surface which expands and contracts inward and outward relative to the structure includes, a member having at least one inner surface to face the outer surface, and at least one protrusion extending from the inner surface, the at least one protrusion being biased toward and in contact with the outer surface and maintains contact as the structure expands and contracts.