Compound and method for heating a lubricated bearing
AssigneeSKF Nova AB
InventorFilip Rosengren
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Abstract
The present invention includes a lubricated bearing which incorporates a phase convertible compound. The compound absorbs and stores heat generated during operation of the bearing. This absorbs and stored heat is then released upon start-up conditions of the bearing, especially under low temperature conditions. The released heat is used to improve the ability of the lubricant contained within the bearings to reduce friction of the relatively movable parts contained therein.
Claims7
A method of using a phase convertible compound, said compound having a composition capable of absorbing and storing heat generated during operation of a bearing, then releasing heat when a phase transformation of the compound is initiated under low-temperature conditions, said method comprising:
- placing said compound into contact with a lubricated bearing;
- absorbing frictional heat generated during operation of the bearing;
- initiating a phase transformation of the compound;
- and
- releasing heat generated by the phase transformation of said compound to heat said lubricant and improve the ability of said lubricant to reduce friction under low-temperature conditions.
A method of lubricating a bearing, said method comprising:
- placing a heat absorbing compound in contact with a lubricated bearing, said compound having a composition such that it absorbs and stores heat during operation of the bearing, and releases heat generated by a phase transition of said compound;
- initiating a phase transition of said compound;
- and
- heating the lubricant with heat released by said phase transition such that the ability of the lubricant to reduce friction under low-temperature conditions is improved.
A lubricated bearing comprising:
- a heat absorbing compound, said compound arranged to absorb heat generated during operation of the bearing and to release heat upon initiation of a phase transformation thereof, said released heat sufficient to heat the lubricant and improve the ability of the lubricant to reduce friction under low-temperature conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.