Pad type hydrodynamic thrust bearings having a modular construction
US5393145A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2202/28
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrodynamic bearing which includes a carrier and a plurality of bearing pads circumferentially spaced about the carrier. The pads may have a modular construction whereby pad portions are secured to support portions. The pads may also be releasably secured to the carrier. Various bearing pad constructions are contemplated. This includes constructions in which the secondary support portion includes a membrane and the primary support portion includes a cylindrical member extending between the membrane and the bearing pads, relatively rigid constructions in which the necessary deflections are achieved through pad shape and center post configurations and positioning, pads having a wear surface formed therein, and a continuous bearing pad ring may be substituted for the discrete bearing pads. The carrier may be provided with locator pins in the pad receiving bores to orient the pads properly. The carrier may have cuts and grooves formed therein to provide a flexible or even beam mounted support for the bearing pads. The bearing may also have a multimode configuration and may include smart structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.