Multi-Sliding Surface Bearing for X-ray Tube Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray emitters with rotating anodes face challenges in mechanical stability and decoupling due to complex groove structures in sliding bearings, leading to unpredictable bearing behavior and high manufacturing rejects.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sliding surface bearing with an inner sliding surface featuring arc-shaped segments centered around offset center points, allowing for adjustable gap tapering and optimized hydrodynamic load-bearing pressure, reducing geometric complexity and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grooved ball bearing with fine groove structure is used, then mechanical stability and decoupling are improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sliding surface is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments with different radii of curvature, each segment contributing to specific regions of the bearing gap. This segmentation allows independent optimization of different bearing regions while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to complex laser structuring.
Solution Approach 2:
Different arc-shaped segments are assigned different radii of curvature to create locally optimized bearing properties. Regions requiring higher load-bearing capacity have segments with appropriate curvature radii, while other regions are optimized for different requirements, allowing tailored performance without complex global structures.
2Reliability
If a grooved ball bearing with optimized groove structure is used, then bearing performance is improved, but predictability of bearing behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a limited set of controllable geometric parameters (radii of curvature of arc-shaped segments, segment positions, and gap dimensions) to define bearing behavior. This reduces the number of influencing factors compared to complex groove structures, making the bearing behavior more predictable and easier to model theoretically.
3Reliability
If a multi-sliding surface bearing with complex geometry is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but manufacturing precision and reject rate worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sliding surface is designed with arc-shaped segments centered around offset center points, creating curved surfaces that are more amenable to conventional manufacturing methods. This curvature-based design simplifies production compared to complex groove structures while maintaining the ability to create the necessary gap tapering for hydrodynamic pressure build-up.
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 multi-sliding surface bearing provides robust mechanical stability and decoupling, simplifies bearing behavior prediction, and minimizes production costs while allowing for tailored bearing properties for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
Separation occurs by way of a hydrodynamic pressure build-up in a fluid lubricant which fills a lubrication gap running between an inner sliding surface and an outer sliding surface
Implementation Method 2
The load-bearing pressure in the lubricant is produced in regions in which the gap tapers. The sections of the gap tapering in the circumferential direction define lubricating wedge lengths which influence the hydrodynamic load-bearing behavior
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray emitter has a rotating anode rotatably mounted inside an X-ray tube by way of a multi-sliding surface bearing. The multi-sliding surface bearing has an inner and an outer sliding surface which are mounted so they can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation such that a gap is formed between the inner and outer sliding surfaces. A contour of the inner sliding surface, in a plane running perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is formed at least in certain sections by arc-shaped segments which are each centered around center points that are offset from each other.