Touchdown bearing assembly with actuator ring assembly
US6524005B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2360/23
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A touchdown bearing and actuator ring assembly for selectively biasing a ball bearing into direct engagement with a rotating shaft subject to significant axial thrust forces. The Actuator ring assembly includes a pair of relatively rotatable ring members abutting the bearing assembly. Confronting faces of the ring members include protuberances. As the ring members undergo relative rotation, the protuberances come into alignment, wedging-apart the ring members and biasing the bearing assembly into contact with the rotating shaft. A disengagement actuator selectively rotates the ring members in the opposite direction until the protuberances are out of alignment, allowing a restraining spring to bias the bearing assembly away from the rotating shaft. The present invention provides an assembly capable of quickly and repeatedly engaging and disengaging the touchdown bearing with the rotating shaft, using a minimum of envelop space and weight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.