Thrust Bearing Concave Surface Oil Film Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many thrust bearings are ineffective in handling shock-type axial forces due to insufficient damping capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The bearing element features a concave portion on its second end surface, increasing the oil volume in the middle, which enhances the damping of shock-type axial forces through the squeezing of the oil film and deformation of the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional flat bearing surface is used, then the bearing structure is simple, but the damping capability of shock-type axial forces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping capabilityVSAvoidbearing surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing surface is designed with a concave portion that curves inward, creating a non-flat geometry. This curvature increases the volume available for lubrication oil and allows the surface to deform elastically under shock loads, thereby improving damping capability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the bearing surface is made deeper to increase oil volume, then the damping capability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock force dampingVSAvoidconcave portion depth control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The depth of the concave portion is optimized to a specific range (0.05-0.5 times the bearing element width) to achieve the desired damping effect without excessive depth. This parameter optimization balances the damping capability improvement with manufacturability, avoiding overly deep concave portions that would be difficult to manufacture with acceptable precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 concave design effectively dampens shock-type axial forces by increasing the lubrication oil volume, improving the bearing element's ability to manage axial pulses.

Implementation Method 1

the amount of oil in the middle of the bearing surface can be increased. This improves the ability of the bearing element to dampen shock-type axial forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

the amount of oil in the middle of the bearing surface can be increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

the amount of oil in the middle of the bearing surface can be increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume expansion:

Data Source

PatentEP3344883B1Bearing element

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 WARTSILA FINLAND OY

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The bearing element (1) for carrying axial loads has an annular shape and comprises a first end surface (2), which is configured to be supported against an object (13) that is stationary in relation to the bearing element (1), and a second end surface (3), which is configured to support a part (12) rotating in relation to and coaxially with the bearing element (1). The second end surface (3) is provided with a concave portion (4), which runs along the circumference of the bearing element (1) over the whole second end surface (3).