Swaged Spherical Bearing Outer Ring for High-Temperature Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spherical bearings made by swaging lose mechanical strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures above 300°C, limiting their use in high-temperature applications, and alternative manufacturing methods, such as split bearings, are costly.
Innovation Solution
A spherical bearing with an outer ring made from NiCr19Fe18Nb or X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2 superalloys that can withstand high temperatures, combined with a swaging process that maintains mechanical properties, and optionally lubricated with molybdenum disulphide or graphite for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials (bronze or stainless steel) are used for the outer ring, then the bearing can be manufactured by swaging, but the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance are lost at temperatures above 300°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the outer ring from conventional bronze or stainless steel to a nickel-based superalloy with specific composition (Ni: 65-75%, Cr: 10-20%, Fe: 5-15%, Nb: 2-5%). This material parameter change enables the bearing to maintain mechanical strength at temperatures above 300°C while still being compatible with the swaging manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite alloy formulation combining multiple elements (Ni, Cr, Fe, Nb) to create a material that exhibits both high-temperature strength and compatibility with cold-forming swaging processes. The specific composition creates a material with optimized properties for both manufacturing and high-temperature service
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials (CRES) are used for the outer ring, then the bearing can be manufactured by swaging, but the corrosion resistance is reduced at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the outer ring material to include high nickel content (65-75%) and specific amounts of chromium (10-20%) and niobium (2-5%). This composition change provides excellent corrosion resistance at high temperatures while maintaining compatibility with the swaging manufacturing process
3Strength
If split spherical bearing is used to achieve high-temperature resistance, then the bearing can operate above 300°C, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional materials to a nickel-based superalloy that enables high-temperature operation while maintaining compatibility with the simpler and more cost-effective swaging manufacturing process, avoiding the need for expensive split bearing construction
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a specifically formulated nickel-based superalloy with multiple elements creates a material that inherently provides high-temperature strength, allowing the bearing to operate above 300°C in a simple swaged construction rather than requiring the more complex and costly split bearing design
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 provides a low-cost, high-temperature-resistant spherical bearing with maintained mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, suitable for applications above 300°C, while the swaging process ensures the bearing's integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the outer ring is swaged directly onto the inner ring, which serves as a die. The shape of the outer surface of the inner ring is imparted to the inner surface of the outer ring
Implementation Method 2
the lubrication step is carried out after the swaging step. Advantageously, the lubricant may comprise molybdenum disulphide or graphite
Data Source
AI summary
A spherical bearing having an outer ring and an inner ring respectively including an inner surface and an outer surface that are in contact with one another. Moreover, the material of the outer ring provides an alloy having the formula NiCr19Fe18Nb or an alloy having the formula X6NiCrTiMoVB25-15-2.