Bearing mounting structure with reduced dimensional requirements
US5931585A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49995
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bearing system for mounting a rotating shaft includes a bearing assembly and a bearing mounting structure. The bearing assembly has an inner race which contacts the rotating shaft, an outer race, and bearing elements positioned therebetween. The outer race has an exterior surface with an outer dimension. The bearing mounting structure has a region for affixing it to an external structure in which the bearing system is to function. An internal surface of the bearing mounting structure defines a bearing cavity in which the bearing assembly is to be disposed. The internal surface engages the exterior surface of the outer race. The retention force exerted by the internal surface on the outer surface is determined by the design of the inner surface of the bearing mounting structure that defines the bearing cavity. The internal surface has cut-outs, or scallops, extending axially (with respect to the shaft) along the internal surface. Furthermore, the internal surface is slightly pre-angled inwardly toward the shaft prior to the installation of the bearing assembly. As the installation of the bearing assembly occurs, the internal surface flexes outwardly as the spring action due to the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.