Fluid dampened support having variable stiffness and damping
US5421655A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support includes a network of closely spaced beams which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads. The structure and space between the beams is designed so as to provide virtually any reasonable damping characteristics. By providing such damping characteristics, the bearings are able to limit or damp out the vibrations occurring when the supported member passes through natural frequencies before reaching operating speed. This allows use of the rolling element bearing in high speed equipment such as compressors and turbines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.