Composite metal-polymer bushing and crankshaft assembly
US8613555B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2173
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly includes a composite metal-polymer bushing having an outer metal layer with an inner surface, metal particles sintered to the inner surface, a polymer material between the metal particles, a finished interior surface collectively defined by the polymer material and exposed portions of the metal particles, a plurality of interstices formed between the metal particles and the polymer material, and a plurality of ridges defined by the polymer material that protrude above the metal particles. The ridges occupy at least about 8% of the area of a cylindrical reference surface nominally coinciding with the finished interior surface. The assembly also includes a crankshaft having a journal at least partially received within the bushing and supported by the finished interior surface. The journal is polished to a surface finish of about 0.1 microns or less to reduce a wear rate of the bushing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.