Other applications?
Small Wind Turbines
We see a potential market for an application similar to helicopters on the rotor blades of small wind turbines. If they can change blade pitch in response to changes in wind speed, that can mean better overall efficiency.
Other Shapes for Other Applications
So far we’ve discussed only the simplest type of laminated rubber bearings. They all had flat metal and rubber layers and operated as thrust bearings. On the figure below, those thrust loads are indicated by the heavy downward arrow representing axial loading. They permit angular oscillation in the helicopter application, but they can also allow lateral shifting. Those motions are both noted by the small arrows drawn on its top surface. If you shifted the top of the bearing to the left, you would get an incremental movement of the layers shown by the slanted dashed line at the edges of the figure.
But as well as those planar thrust bearings, the figure also shows cross-sections of some other possible shapes.
We see a potential market for an application similar to helicopters on the rotor blades of small wind turbines. If they can change blade pitch in response to changes in wind speed, that can mean better overall efficiency.
Other Shapes for Other Applications
So far we’ve discussed only the simplest type of laminated rubber bearings. They all had flat metal and rubber layers and operated as thrust bearings. On the figure below, those thrust loads are indicated by the heavy downward arrow representing axial loading. They permit angular oscillation in the helicopter application, but they can also allow lateral shifting. Those motions are both noted by the small arrows drawn on its top surface. If you shifted the top of the bearing to the left, you would get an incremental movement of the layers shown by the slanted dashed line at the edges of the figure.
But as well as those planar thrust bearings, the figure also shows cross-sections of some other possible shapes.
The layers may have a conical shape (as in a lampshade) and so can handle a combination of thrust and radial loads as seen by the side and top heavy arrows. The conical configuration also allows angular motion about its longitudinal axis as seen by the smaller arrows.
In spherical bearings, each of their rubber and metal layers is a segment of a sphere, where each layer has the same center point. That makes it possible for their rubber layers to be shifted tangentially relative to their common center point. Of course, they can still rotate angularly about their longitudinal axis. Many large helicopters use spherical elastomeric bearings. They carry the regular thrust load and experience the usual oscillation about their pitch axis, but the spherical shape permits them to also accommodate small dynamic angular movements of the blades about their other 2 degrees of freedom; namely, lead-lag and up-down flapping of the blades as they rotate.
The cylindrical bearing is meant for radial loads like a bushing, as seen by the heavy side arrow, but it has much greater load capability with its multiple layers. It can permit angular rotation, but also small axial shifting motions as seen by the longitudinal arrow inside.
The chevron-shaped bearing can support thrust loads with angular oscillation as does the planar bearing, but the shape of its layers precludes lateral shifting. That property tends to permit a taller bearing for the same load without any need for external lateral support.
So a laminated rubber bearing can resist thrust, or radial, or combined forces depending upon the configuration of its laminate surfaces, while providing up to 3 degrees of freedom.
In spherical bearings, each of their rubber and metal layers is a segment of a sphere, where each layer has the same center point. That makes it possible for their rubber layers to be shifted tangentially relative to their common center point. Of course, they can still rotate angularly about their longitudinal axis. Many large helicopters use spherical elastomeric bearings. They carry the regular thrust load and experience the usual oscillation about their pitch axis, but the spherical shape permits them to also accommodate small dynamic angular movements of the blades about their other 2 degrees of freedom; namely, lead-lag and up-down flapping of the blades as they rotate.
The cylindrical bearing is meant for radial loads like a bushing, as seen by the heavy side arrow, but it has much greater load capability with its multiple layers. It can permit angular rotation, but also small axial shifting motions as seen by the longitudinal arrow inside.
The chevron-shaped bearing can support thrust loads with angular oscillation as does the planar bearing, but the shape of its layers precludes lateral shifting. That property tends to permit a taller bearing for the same load without any need for external lateral support.
So a laminated rubber bearing can resist thrust, or radial, or combined forces depending upon the configuration of its laminate surfaces, while providing up to 3 degrees of freedom.
Enhance your project
Please contact us to discuss your application. We're prepared to work with you on preliminary analysis and design at no cost. The benefits of using LAMIFLEX Bearing and Seals in your design include:
- Simplicity
- No Lubrication
- Reliability
- Long Life
- Hermetic Sealing