Low shear modulus transition shim for elastomeric bearing bonding in torsional applications
First Claim
1. A bearing assembly comprising:
- a bearing comprising alternating rigid and elastomeric layers;
a shim fitted within the bearing, the shim comprising fiberglass;
a metal rotor blade spindle disposed within the shim; and
an adhesive layer that adheres the shim to the metal rotor blade spindle,wherein the shim comprises a first material and the metal rotor blade spindle a second material,wherein the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material, and the shim is configured to absorb at least a portion of a torsional strain between the metal rotor blade spindle and the bearing that reduces torsional strain on the adhesive layer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bearing assembly comprises a bearing, a shim disposed within the bearing, and a component disposed within the shim. The shim comprises a first material, the component comprises a second material, and the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material. An apparatus comprises an elastomeric bearing, a fiberglass shim, and a steel spindle that is connected to the elastomeric bearing through the shim. A method for reducing strain in an adhesive layer that connects a bearing to a component comprises selecting a shim material having an elastic modulus value that is less than an elastic modulus value of the component and providing instructions to connect the component to the shim by placing the adhesive layer between an outer surface of the component and an inner surface of the shim.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A bearing assembly comprising:
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a bearing comprising alternating rigid and elastomeric layers; a shim fitted within the bearing, the shim comprising fiberglass; a metal rotor blade spindle disposed within the shim; and an adhesive layer that adheres the shim to the metal rotor blade spindle, wherein the shim comprises a first material and the metal rotor blade spindle a second material, wherein the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material, and the shim is configured to absorb at least a portion of a torsional strain between the metal rotor blade spindle and the bearing that reduces torsional strain on the adhesive layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus comprising:
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an elastomeric bearing comprising alternating rigid and elastomeric layers; a fiberglass shim disposed within the elastomeric bearing, wherein the fiberglass shim comprises a first material and a steel rotor blade spindle comprises a second material and is fitted with the fiberglass shim a second material, wherein the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material, and the fiberglass shim is configured to absorb at least a portion of a torsional strain between the steel rotor blade spindle and the elastomeric bearing that reduces torsional strain on an adhesive layer between the fiberglass shim and the steel rotor blade spindle; wherein the steel rotor blade spindle is connected to the elastomeric bearing through the fiberglass shim; and the adhesive layer adheres the fiberglass shim to the steel rotor blade spindle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for reducing strain in an adhesive layer that connects a bearing to a metal rotor blade spindle, the method comprising:
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selecting a shim material, wherein the shim material is fiberglass, having an elastic modulus value that is less than an elastic modulus value of the metal rotor blade spindle, wherein the shim comprises a first material and the metal rotor blade spindle is fitted with the shim a second material, wherein the first material has an elastic modulus value that is lower than an elastic modulus value of the second material, and the shim is configured to absorb at least a portion of a torsional strain between the metal rotor blade spindle and the bearing that reduces torsional strain on the adhesive layer; and adhering the shim to the metal rotor blade spindle with the adhesive layer between an outer surface of the metal rotor blade spindle and an inner surface of the shim. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification