Temperature compensating bearing

Abstract

Temperature compensating bearings with bearing beams resiliently mounted to an outer shell to optimize load capacity for varying operating conditions, for example, bearings for precisely supporting a shaft for axial and rotational motion under various temperature, load, wear, and tolerance conditions. The bearing is capable of maintaining a contact fit despite wear, and is self-aligning, simple to manufacture, and operates quietly. The bearing is made up of an outer shell, a plurality of circumferentially spaced arcuate beams each connected to the outer shell by two radially extending support members located at either end of the beams, and a plurality of lubricant channels. The center of each beam is designed and configured to provide for an interference fit with the shaft, while the ends of each beam maintain a slight clearance with the shaft. As the outer shell contracts or expands due to temperature changes, the radial support members move towards or away from the shaft, respectively. The contraction or expansion due to changes in temperature will cause the beams to wrap or unwrap about the outer surface of the shaft, respectively. A plurality of lubricant channels are defined by the support members and the inner wall of the shell to supply lubricant, if needed, to any gaps between the shaft and the beams.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.