Tilt pad variable geometry bearings having tilting bearing pads and methods of making same
US5489155A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/3432
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which replicates the function and performance of more costly tilt pad bearings. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion. The beams allow deflection of the pad by either deflecting or twisting in a torsional mode. The bearing pad support structure may include portions which are fluid dampened. The bearing may be made self lubricating through the provision of a lubricant absorbing and releasing material in the spaces between the bearing pads or within the support structure. The bearings may be made of a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, powdered metals, composites and metals. The bearings may be manufactured by simple molding using a two-piece camless mold, injection molding, casting, powdered metal die casting, extrusion, electric discharge or laser cutting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.