Tilting Segment Outlet Edge Structures for Lubricant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial plain bearings with tilting pads face challenges in efficiently removing lubricant and coolant, leading to heat dissipation issues and potential damage due to pressure drops and structural weakening at the discharge edge, requiring additional components and space for stripping devices.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates structured outlet edges with open-edged recesses that deviate from a straight line, allowing for targeted lubricant and coolant removal and distribution, reducing hot lubricant spillage and improving suction effects, while maintaining structural simplicity and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stripping devices are positioned behind the discharge edge to remove lubricant, then lubricant removal is achieved, but additional installation space and further components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubricant removal function with the outlet edge structure itself by forming integration structures directly on the outlet edge. This eliminates the need for separate stripping devices positioned behind the discharge edge, thereby removing additional components while maintaining effective lubricant removal through the integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lubricant removal function from separate stripping devices and integrates it directly into the outlet edge structure. By forming integration structures (such as grooves or patterns) directly on the outlet edge, the design eliminates the need for additional stripping devices while achieving the same lubricant removal effect.
2Ease of operation
If a discharge groove is formed at a small distance from the outlet edge, then lubricant discharge is facilitated, but the segment strength in the area of the outlet edge is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming integration structures only in specific areas of the outlet edge where lubricant discharge is needed, rather than creating a continuous groove that would compromise overall segment strength. These localized structures (such as discrete grooves or patterns) provide sufficient lubricant discharge capability while preserving the structural integrity of the segment in critical areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outlet edge has a straight line contour, then manufacturing is simple, but hot lubricant spills over and is reintroduced into the next gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the straight line contour of the outlet edge with a curved or contoured shape that follows the natural flow of lubricant. This curved contour (such as an arc or angled profile) redirects hot lubricant away from the gap between the shaft and the next tilting segment, preventing spillage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard machining operations.
4Reliability
If additional stripping devices are installed for lubricant removal, then lubricant discharge is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lubricant discharge function with the existing outlet edge structure by forming integration structures directly on it. This merging eliminates the need for separate stripping devices and their associated installation space, achieving effective lubricant discharge within the existing bearing geometry without requiring additional radial or axial space.
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 solution effectively prevents hot lubricant from being reintroduced into the next gap, ensuring reliable lubrication and coolant removal, enhancing the bearing's performance and durability without the need for additional components or increased space.
Implementation Method 1
improving suction effects
Implementation Method 2
the lubricant used for the hydrodynamic sliding effect
Implementation Method 3
In order to dissipate this, the lubricant used for the hydrodynamic sliding effect in high-performance plain bearings is dissipated again
Data Source
Figure 1~3d
Figure 3e~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a tilting segment (1) for spaced arrangement in relation to a bearing axis for supporting shafts in plain bearings, said segment comprising a supporting surface (2) and a bearing surface (7) arranged opposite said supporting surface (2), the supporting surface (2) being delimited in an axial direction by two lateral faces (3, 4) and in the circumferential direction by a run-in edge (5) and a run-out edge (6). The invention is characterised in that structures (8) which promote the drainage of lubricant and coolant are provided on the run-out edge (6).