Toroidal Bearing Assembly With Polymer Washers for Low Friction Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing assemblies for steering systems in vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles, lack improved performance in terms of friction reduction and wear resistance, leading to inefficiencies and reduced longevity.

Innovation Solution

A bearing assembly comprising a toroidal core and washers with an arcuate cross-section, made from materials like stainless steel or polymers, which provide a low friction/wear resistant layer and are integrated with races to form a steering assembly that reduces friction and wear, enhancing performance and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bearing assemblies are used in steering systems, then basic radial and longitudinal positioning is achieved, but friction and wear are not sufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelongevityVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly uses a toroidal core made of resilient material (such as spring steel) combined with a low friction polymer layer (such as PTFE or polyacetals) to create a composite structure that provides both structural support and reduced friction/wear properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient toroidal core acts as a flexible element that can deform elastically under load, while the polymer layer provides a thin film of low friction material on the bearing surfaces, combining flexibility with reduced wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If bearing assemblies operate under varying temperature conditions, then basic functionality is maintained, but performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range performanceVSAvoidperformance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient toroidal core is made from materials with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients and elastic properties that allow it to maintain its functional geometry across a wide temperature range, adapting to thermal conditions while preserving bearing performance

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 assembly achieves reduced friction and wear, increased longevity, and improved performance under various conditions, including temperature variations, while providing overload protection and noise reduction.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one washer comprising a polymer, wherein the arcuate cross-section of the at least one washer substantially encompasses the toroidal core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

a bearing assembly comprising a toroidal core made from a resilient material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11333199B2Assembly for a bearing and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SAINT GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORP

AI summary

An assembly comprising: a core in the form of a toroid; and at least one washer overlying the core, the washer comprising a polymer, wherein the washer has an arcuate cross-section so as to have a shape complementary to the core.