Single-Piece Track Roller Bearing for Compact Aircraft Wing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing actuation systems face challenges in optimizing the performance and space efficiency of track roller bearings, particularly due to robustness limitations in track construction and the need for reduced maintenance, which is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The use of a track roller bearing assembly featuring a single piece outer ring, a single piece inner ring made from corrosion-resistant nitrogen steel, and a plurality of needle rollers, along with a split inner ring configuration and lined track roller assemblies, which accommodate bending loads and reduce friction through specialized materials and designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load conditions are realized by track roller bearings in aircraft wing actuation systems, then the system can handle diverse operational requirements, but the space required within the wing cross section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing components into a single integrated track roller bearing assembly. The outer ring, inner ring, and multiple rows of rolling elements (including needle rollers and ball rollers) are merged into one compact unit that can simultaneously handle radial loads, axial loads, and moment loads, thereby reducing the overall space required within the wing cross section while maintaining adaptability to diverse load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where two rows of rolling elements (needle rollers and ball rollers) are arranged concentrically within the same outer ring. The inner row of rolling elements is positioned within the inner curvature defined by the outer ring, allowing both rows to share the same radial space. This nesting approach enables the bearing to handle multiple load conditions while minimizing the volume occupied within the wing actuation system.
2Reliability
If conventional bearing materials are used in track roller bearings, then manufacturing is simpler, but corrosion resistance and maintenance requirements are insufficient for aircraft applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies the use of corrosion-resistant steel materials for both the outer ring and inner ring of the track roller bearing. This material selection provides superior corrosion resistance suitable for aircraft wing actuation systems while maintaining manufacturability through standard aerospace metalworking processes. The composite structure of the bearing, combining corrosion-resistant steel rings with hardened rolling elements, achieves both reliability and ease of manufacture.
3Strength
If robust track construction is used to improve bearing performance, then load capacity increases, but the space and weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rolling elements into two distinct rows: needle rollers for handling radial loads and ball rollers for handling axial loads and moment loads. This segmentation allows each type of rolling element to be optimized for its specific load function, maximizing load capacity within the available space. The divided configuration of rolling elements enables the bearing to achieve high strength without requiring a single large, space-consuming structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-row bearing configuration to a multi-row concentric arrangement, utilizing the radial dimension more efficiently. By stacking rolling elements in concentric rows within the same outer ring, the bearing achieves increased load capacity in the radial direction without proportionally increasing the overall radial dimension. This dimensional optimization allows high strength performance within constrained 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 configuration enhances the performance and reliability of track roller bearings by improving load distribution, reducing friction, and minimizing space requirements, thereby enhancing the efficiency and maintenance capabilities of aircraft wing actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling elements disposed between and in rolling engagement with the single piece inner ring and the single piece outer ring
Data Source
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AI summary
A track roller bearing comprising: a single piece outer ring; a single piece inner ring positioned in the outer ring; a plurality of rolling elements disposed between and in rolling engagement with the inner ring and the outer ring; and the track roller assembly is configured to be disposed in a structure of an aircraft.