Flywheel secondary bearing with rhenium or rhenium alloy coating
US6987339B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/16
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bearing for a high-speed and high-momentum rotating flywheel system for satellite or other applications that enables better recovery when unintended physical contact occurs. This better recovery is achieved through increased impact resistance and wear resistance by using a flat annulus connected to the main shaft of the primary bearing and secondary metal bearing and coating both annuli with rhenium or its alloys. Rhenium has a very high melting point but in the annealed condition is ductile so the rhenium coating is hardened to a very high strength and wear resistance but the rhenium beneath is still ductile. This combination of hard and soft material provides good wear resistance and impact resistance for those times when the primary bearing ceases to operate and contact is made with the secondary bearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.