Bearing having anodic nanoparticle lubricant
AssigneeEmerson Power Transmission Manufacturing, L.P.
InventorPatrick Tibbits
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bearing with lubricant having metal or metal alloy nanoparticles that are more anodic than the metal or metal alloy of which the inner or outer raceways of the bearing are constructed; and method for using the same.
Claims49
A bearing comprising:
- a first ring having a first raceway constructed from a first metal or metal alloy;
- a second ring having a second raceway constructed from a second metal or metal alloy;
- a plurality of roller elements positioned between the first raceway and the second raceway;
- and
- a lubricant disposed between the first raceway and the second raceway, the lubricant containing a plurality of suspended nanoparticles;
- wherein the suspended nanoparticles are comprised of a third metal or metal alloy that is more anodic than the first metal or metal alloy.
A bearing comprising:
- a first ring having a first raceway constructed from a first metal or metal alloy;
- a second ring having a second raceway constructed from a second metal or metal alloy;
- a plurality of roller elements positioned between the first raceway and the second raceway;
- a first layer of a nanoparticle film disposed on at least a portion of the first raceway, wherein the nanoparticle film is comprised of a plurality of metal or metal alloy nanoparticles that are more anodic than the first metal or metal alloy.
A bearing comprising:
- a first ring having a first raceway having a first outer surface, the first raceway being constructed from a first metal or metal alloy;
- a second ring having a second raceway having a second outer surface, the second raceway being constructed from a second metal or metal alloy;
- a plurality of roller elements positioned between the first raceway and the second raceway;
- and
- a lubricant disposed between the first raceway and the second raceway containing a plurality of suspended nanoparticles;
- wherein the suspended nanoparticles are comprised of a third metal or metal alloy that is more anodic than the first metal or metal alloy;
- and
- wherein the suspended nanoparticles fill at least some imperfections or pits in the first outer surface.
A method of lubricating a bearing, wherein the bearing comprises a first ring having a first raceway constructed of a first metal or metal alloy and a second ring having a second raceway constructed of a second metal or metal alloy, the first raceway and the second raceway forming a channel therebetween, comprising the steps of:
- disposing within the channel a lubricant containing a plurality of suspended nanoparticles;
- and
- forming a first nanoparticle film on at least a portion of the first raceway, the first nanoparticle film being formed from the suspended nanoparticles;
- wherein the suspended nanoparticles and the first nanoparticle film are comprised of a third metal or metal alloy that is more anodic than the first metal or metal alloy.
A device comprising:
- a first component constructed from a first metal or metal alloy;
- a second component constructed from a second metal or metal alloy, wherein the second component is in sliding or rolling contact with an area of the first component;
- and
- a first layer of a nanoparticle film disposed on at least a portion of the area of the first component, wherein the nanoparticle film is comprised of a plurality of metal or metal alloy nanoparticles that are more anodic than the first metal or metal alloy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.