Thrust Sliding Bearing Merging Radial Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thrust sliding bearings in vehicle suspensions face challenges in mounting space constraints and increased costs due to the need for separate thrust and radial sliding bearings, which are not efficiently integrated.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing design that incorporates a radial sliding bearing portion within the upper and lower casings, utilizing a labyrinth sealing mechanism to prevent foreign object ingress and allow smooth rotation under both thrust and radial loads, eliminating the need for a separate radial sliding bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a separate radial sliding bearing is used, then radial load support is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radial sliding bearing function into the thrust sliding bearing structure by forming a radial sliding bearing portion within the upper and lower casings. The cylindrical inner surface of the outer tubular suspended portion and the cylindrical outer surface of the annular base portion work together to provide radial load support, eliminating the need for a separate radial sliding bearing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust sliding bearing is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both thrust loads (through the thrust sliding bearing piece) and radial loads (through the radial sliding bearing portion formed by the cylindrical surfaces). This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the suspension mounting structure.
2Strength
If a separate radial sliding bearing is used, then radial load support is improved, but mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radial sliding bearing function is merged into the existing thrust sliding bearing structure. The radial sliding bearing portion is formed within the space already occupied by the upper and lower casings, specifically utilizing the cylindrical inner surface of the outer tubular suspended portion and the cylindrical outer surface of the annular base portion, thereby avoiding additional mounting space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial sliding bearing portion is nested within the structure of the thrust sliding bearing. The outer tubular suspended portion contains the radial bearing surface within its wall thickness, effectively nesting the radial load support function inside the existing bearing assembly without increasing external dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If synthetic resin materials are used, then cost is reduced, but wear resistance may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining synthetic resin casings with carefully designed geometric features that enhance wear resistance. The labyrinth sealing structure and the specific configuration of sliding surfaces create a system where the synthetic resin materials achieve adequate service life through intelligent design rather than relying solely on material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth sealing structure acts as an intermediary that prevents foreign objects from reaching the sliding surfaces. By blocking dust and contaminants before they can enter the bearing surfaces, the sealing structure protects the synthetic resin materials from premature wear, effectively extending service life without requiring more expensive wear-resistant materials.
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
This design reduces the radial dimension of the thrust sliding bearing, lowers costs, and ensures smooth operation and reduced wear by preventing foreign object ingress, thus addressing space and economic constraints while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing portion based on labyrinth action is formed between the resiliently fitted portion and a slidably contacting portion of the cylindrical outer surface of the annular base portion with respect to the cylindrical inner surface of the outer tubular suspended portion
Implementation Method 2
the annular lower surface of the annular baseplate portion of the upper casing and the annular upper surface of the annular base portion of the lower casing are spaced apart from each other... brought into slidable contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the annular base portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A thrust sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made lower casing 2, a synthetic resin-made upper casing 3 superposed on the lower casing 2, and a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing piece 4 interposed between said upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2.