Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an eccentric bearing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for adjusting and fixing the position of a bore in the bearing relative to a housing in which the bearing is received and securing the position of the bore relative to the housing.

Background of the Invention

[0002] An aircraft, for example a jetliner, may include a plurality of struts for transferring force within the aircraft and more specifically within its frame. A strut typically extends between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis. A least one end may be coupled to a spherical bearing to support the strut and transfer force to and therefrom. A disadvantage of known struts and bearings for receiving the struts is that specific dimensions of the components can vary as a result of acceptable manufacturing tolerances and/or as a result of environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations and loading on the frame of the aircraft. As a result, it may be difficult to install and replace such struts, especially in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention resides in one aspect in a bearing including an outer race member having a first axis of rotation and having a first spline extending along a portion of the outer race member. An inner race member having a second axis of rotation is disposed at least partially in the outer race member. The inner race member is rotatable relative to the outer race member about the second axis of rotation. The bearing further includes an securing member having a second spline extending along a portion of the adjustment member. The outer race member is fixed relative to the adjustment member about the first axis of rotation when the first spline is engaged with the second spline.

[0004] In some embodiments of the present invention the first spline comprises a male spline and the second spline comprises a female spline. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the first spline comprises a plurality of involute teeth and the second spline comprises a plurality of involute teeth.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present invention the outer race member comprises a concave arcuate bearing surface and the inner race member comprises a convex arcuate bearing surface. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the inner race member is angularly displaceable relative to the outer race member. In some embodiments of the present invention, the bearing is eccentric. In such embodiments, the first axis of rotation is laterally displaced from the second axis of rotation when the first axis of rotation is parallel to the second axis of rotation.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer race member and the securing member are fixed about the first axis of rotation relative to a housing when the first spline is engaged with the second spline and the securing member is secured relative to the housing. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the securing member comprises a first hole for receiving a first fastener. The first fastener is configured to pass through the first hole and be received in a second hole in the housing. In some embodiments, the first hole has a substantially greater cross sectional area as compared to a cross sectional area of the second hole so as the enable rotational positioning of the securing member while simultaneously providing access for the fastener to the second hole through the first hole.

[0007] In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the bearing includes a washer, block, plate or the like, for example, a cube having a hole extending therethrough. At least a portion of the first fastener is configured to pass through the cube hole and to pass through the first hole and to be received in the second hole in the housing, thereby securing the securing member and cube relative to the housing. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, a face of the securing member and a face of the cube comprise complementary relief patterns protruding therefrom to inhibit rotation of the securing member relative to the housing and the cube when the first fastener is received through the cube hole, through the first hole, and in the second hole. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the complementary relief patters comprise a plurality of striations.

[0008] The present invention resides in another aspect in a method of securing an eccentric bearing. The method includes the step of providing a bearing. The bearing includes an outer race member having a first axis rotation and having a spline extending along a portion of the outer race member. The bearing further includes an inner race member having a second axis of rotation, the inner race member is disposed in the outer race member and the inner race member is rotatable relative to the outer race member about the second axis of rotation. The inner race member has a bore extending therethrough. The first axis of rotation is laterally displaced from the second axis of rotation when the first axis of rotation is parallel to the second axis of rotation. The method further includes the step of inserting the bearing in to a housing. The method further includes the step of rotating the outer race member relative to the housing to adjust the position of the bore relative to the housing. A shaft is received in the bore. The method further includes the step of providing a securing member having a second spline extending along a portion thereof. The first spline is engaged with the second spline. The method further includes the step of coupling the securing member to the housing so that the outer race member is fixed relative to the securing member about the first axis of rotation.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes the steps of providing a fastener and providing a locking cube having a hole extending therethrough. A distal end of the fastener is inserted through the hole in the locking cube, then inserted through a hole in the securing member, then received in a hole in the housing adapted to receive the fastener.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hole in the securing member has a substantially greater cross sectional area as compared to a cross sectional area of the fastener so as the enable rotational positioning of the securing member while simultaneously providing access for the fastener to the hole in the housing through the hole in the securing member.

[0011] In yet further embodiments of the present invention, a face of the securing member and a face of the cube comprise complementary relief patterns protruding therefrom to inhibit rotation of the securing member relative to the cube when the first fastener is received through the cube hole, through the first hole, and in the hole in the housing. In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the complementary relief patters comprise a plurality of striations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bearing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bearing shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective exploded view of the bearing shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a front view of a housing for receiving a bearing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the bearing shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4A is an illustration of a front view of a bearing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4B is an illustration of a front view of the bearing shown in FIG. 4A wherein the bearing has been rotated 30 degrees about the first axis of rotation. [0019] FIG. 4C is an illustration of a front view of the bearing shown in FIG. 4A wherein the bearing has been rotated 180 degrees about the first axis of rotation.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] In reference to FIGS. 1-3 and with specific reference to FIG. 2, a bearing 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The bearing 10 includes an outer race member 30 having a first axis of rotation A. The outer race member 30 extends along a first axis of rotation A between a first edge 42 and a second edge 43.

[0021] An outer surface 38 of the outer race member 30 is cylindrical about the first axis of rotation A. A first spline 40 extends along at least a portion of the outer surface 38 of the outer race member 30. In the embodiment shown, the first spline 40 extends along the circumference of the outer race member 30 proximate to the second edge 43. The outer race member 30 includes a plurality of male threads 44 extending along a portion of the outer surface 38 of the outer race member 30. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of male threads 44 extend along the circumference of the outer race member 30 proximate to the first edge 42. The outer race member 30 defines a bore 31 that extends between a first opening 32 proximate to the first edge 42 and a second opening 33 proximate to the second edge 43. The outer race member 30 includes a concave arcuate bearing surface 36 that faces inwardly toward and is symmetric about a second axis of rotation B and which is eccentric relative to the outer surface 38, as described in detail below. The concave arcuate bearing surface 36 defines at least a portion of the bore 31.

[0022] The bearing 10 includes an inner race member 50. The inner race member 50 is coaxial with the second axis of rotation B. The inner race member 50 is disposed in the bore 31 of the outer race member 30. The inner race member 50 includes a convex arcuate bearing surface 56 that faces outwardly. The inner race member 50 extends along the second axis of rotation B between a first edge 62 and a second edge 63. The inner race 50 is rotatable relative to the outer race member 30 about the second axis of rotation B. The inner race member 50 is angularly displaceable relative to the outer race member 30. The inner race member 50 defines a bore 51 that extends between a first opening 52 proximate to the first edge 62 and a second opening 53 proximate to the second edge 63.

[0023] In the embodiment shown, the bearing 10 is an eccentric bearing because the concave arcuate bearing surface 36 and the convex arcuate bearing surface 56 are positioned eccentrically relative to the outer surface 38 with the first axis of rotation A is parallel to and laterally displaced from the second axis of rotation B. It should be understood that the bearing 10 in accordance with the present invention is not limited to an eccentric bearing and a person of ordinary skill in the art familiar with this disclosure would recognize that a bearing in which the first axis of rotation A is coaxial with the second axis of rotation B can used with the present invention.

[0024] In reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the eccentricity of the bearing 10 is shown. FIGS. 4A- 4C show the effect of rotating the eccentric bearing 10 when it is disposed in a fixed housing, such as the housing 72 shown in FIG. 3B and 3C, but not shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. As a result of this purpose, certain features have been omitted from these illustrations such as, but not limited to, the first spline 40 and the securing member. The inner ring 50 is eccentrically disposed in the outer ring 30. The first axis of rotation A and the second axis of rotation B are shown as single points in FIGS. 4A-4C as the axes are perpendicular to the views shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Line AA illustrates a first plane that is parallel to the first axis of rotation A and line BB illustrates a second plane that is parallel to the second axis of rotation B.

[0025] In reference to FIG. 4A, the first axis of rotation A is laterally displaced from the second axis of rotation B and the first plane AA is below the second plane BB. In FIG. 4B, the bearing 10 has been rotated 30 degrees about the first axis of rotation A relative to the original position of the bearing 10 in FIG. 4A. As is evident in FIGS. 4A and 4B., the 30 degree rotation of the bearing adjusts the position of the inner race member 50 relative to the first axis of rotation A. In particular, FIG. 4B shows the second axis of rotation B moved down from plane BB to plane BB' and to the right of axis of rotation A. If, for example, the inner ring 50 and the outer ring 30 were concentric relative to the outer surface 38, the 30 degree rotation of the bearing 10 would not adjust the position of the first axis of rotation A.

[0026] In reference to FIG. 4C, the bearing 10 has been rotated 180 degrees about the first axis of rotation A relative to the original position of the bearing 10 in FIG. 4A. As is evident from FIG. 4C, the 180 degree rotation of the bearing 10 adjusts the position of the inner race member 50 relative to the first axis of rotation A. In particular, FIG. 4C shows the second axis of rotation B moved down from plane BB to plane BB" and below plane AA. For example, the majority of the inner race member 50 is above the first plane AA in FIG. 4 A, and the majority of the inner race member 50 is below the first plane AA in FIG. 4C after 180 degrees of rotation. In this manner (and as further explained below), the present invention allows for adjustment of the position of the bore 51 extending through the inner race member 50 relative to the housing 72 when the bearing 10 is received in the housing 72. The position of the inner race member 50 shown in FIG. 4C corresponds to the positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. [0027] In reference to FIG. 3B, the bearing 10 is received in a housing 72. The housing includes a bore 71 for receiving the bearing 10. The cross section of the bore 71 is substantially similar to the cross section of the bearing 10. The housing 72 includes two holes 173, 174 each configured to receive a fastener. The utility of such holes is described in further detail below. The bearing 10 is inserted into the bore 71 of the housing 72. After the bearing 10 is inserted, the outer ring 30 can be rotated relative to the housing 72 about the first axis of rotation A, thereby adjusting the position of the bore 51 relative to the housing 72. After the bore 51 is properly adjusted, a shaft 80 (also referred to as a strut, or other name known in the art) is received through the bore 51. By enabling rotation of the outer ring 30 relative to the housing 72, the present invention enables the position of the bore 51 to be adjusted, thereby facilitating insertion of the shaft 80 through the bore 51, especially in the case where such an installation is performed in the field. After the outer ring 30 is adjusted to the preferred position, the outer ring 30 is locked in position relative to the housing 72 using a securing member 90. This locking step may occur before or after the shaft 80 is received in the bore 51 in the inner ring member 50.

[0028] In reference to FIG. 3C, a washer 74 is received around the outer surface 38 of the outer race member 30 proximate to the first edge 43 so that the washer 74 is adjacent to the housing 72. A retaining ring 76 having a plurality of female threads (not shown in the FIGS.) is received on the outside surface 38 of the outer race member 30 proximate to the first edge 43. The plurality of female threads engage the plurality of male threads 44 to fix the axial position of the retaining ring 76 and the outer race member 30 along the first axis of rotation A, relative to the housing 72. In some embodiments, the washer 74 includes a plurality of tabs that can be deflected against the retaining ring 76 to further secure the bearing 10 in the housing 72. It should be understood that the bearing 10 in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the housing arrangement disclosed in FIG. 3 and that a person of ordinary skill in the art familiar with this disclosure would recognize that many different housing arrangements and configurations may be used with the present invention.

[0029] In further reference to FIG. 3C, the shaft 80 is received in the bore 51 of the inner race member 50. An end of the shaft (not shown in the FIGS.) is coupled to object that is fixed relative to the bearing 10. In one example, the shaft is a strut. The proximal end of the strut is coupled to the bearing 10. For example, the bearing 10 is inserted into the housing 72 before the shaft 80 is received in the bore 51 of the inner race member 50. A problem may occur during insertion of the shaft 80 into the bore 51 due to relative variability in the dimensions of the requisite components. This problem is of particular concern when, in reference to the example above, a strut is replaced in the field.

[0030] As indicated above, the present invention overcomes the above described problem by providing an eccentric bearing 10 that can be rotated to adjust the position of the bore 51 in the inner race member 50, and then can be locked in place to inhibit further rotation. In reference to FIG. 1 and 3, a plate 90 (also referred to as a securing member) is provided to fix the position of the bore 51 relative to the first axis of rotation A. The plate 90 is generally planar and comprises a top surface 93 and a bottom surface 94 and at least one side surface 95 substantially perpendicular to the top surface 93 and the bottom surface 94. A second spline 92 extends along a portion of the side 95. The side 95 has a concave radius of curvature similar to an outer surface 38 of the outer race member 30 proximate to the first spline 40. The second spline 92 is engageable with the first spline 40. In the embodiment shown, the first spline 40 and the second spline 92 each comprise involute teeth. As can be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art familiar with this disclosure, the present invention is not limited in this regard, and different types of teeth and/or gears may be used with the present invention. The plate 90 includes a first bore 96 extending between the top surface 93 and the bottom surface 94 and a second bore 97 extending between the top surface 93 and the bottom surface 94. In the embodiment shown, the cross section of the first bore 96 and the cross section of the second bore 97 are oblong. The bottom surface 94 of the plate 90 comprises a plurality of striations 98.

[0031] To lock the bearing 10 in position relative to the housing 72, the first spline 40 engages with the second spline 92 of the plate 90. The outer race member 30 is fixed relative to the plate 90 about the first axis of rotation A when the first spline 40 is engaged with the second spline 92. The plate 90 and the outer race member 30 are fixed about the first axis of rotation A by fixing the plate to the housing 72. A first fastener 99 and a second fastener (not shown in the FIGS) are inserted through the first bore 96 and the second bore 97,

respectively, and are further secured in the housing, for example by complementary threads or the like, for example through holes and bolts. In the embodiment shown, the cross section of the fasteners 99 is substantially circular. A problem occurs when the second spline 92 of the securing member 90 is engaged with the first spline, in that the first and second bore holes 96, 97 do not align with the holes 173, 174 in the housing 72 for receiving the fasteners as a result of the specific position of the teeth in the spline during engagement. In this regard, the present invention overcomes this problem because the first and second bores 96, 97 are oblong, specifically, they define a concave opening that follows the art of holes 96, 97 . In other words, the holes in the securing member have a substantially greater cross sectional area as compared to a cross sectional area of the fasteners so as the enable rotational positioning of the securing member while simultaneously providing access for the fastener to the hole in the housing through the hole in the securing member.

[0032] In further reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C, a washer, block, plate or the like, for example a locking cube 1 16, 1 17 is provided for each fastener hole. Each locking cube 116, 1 17 is generally rectangular and includes a hole 106, 107 extending therethrough. The first fastener 99 is inserted through the cube hole 106, through the first hole in the securing plate 96, and into the first receiving hole 173 in the housing 72. The second fastener, not shown in the FIGS., is similarly inserted through the second set of holes. While the locking cubes 1 16 and 1 17 are described as being generally rectangular, the locking cubes are not limited in this regard as other shapes and configurations may be employed including but not limited to plates having circular, triangular and hexagonal shapes.

[0033] A face of the securing member 94 and a face 115 of the cube comprise

complementary relief patterns 95, 1 14, shown as striations, protruding therefrom. When the fastener 99 is secured, the complementary relief patterns 95, 1 14 engage with each other, thereby inhibiting rotation of the securing member 90 relative to the cube 116 when the first fastener 99 is received through the cube hole 106, through the first hole, and in the hole in the housing, thereby fixing the position of the outer race member 30 about the first axis A relative to first axis of rotation A. It should be understood that the bearing 10 and method in accordance with the present invention is not limited steps and configuration disclosed above and that a person of ordinary skill in the art familiar with this disclosure would recognize that many different arrangement and processes in accordance with the present invention may be employed. For example, the shaft 80 may be inserted into the bore 51 and then the position of the outer race member 30 relative to the bore 51 may be adjusted using the plate 90 prior to inserting the outer race member 30 in the housing 72.

[0034] Although the present invention has been disclosed and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it should be noted that other variations and modifications may be made, and it is intended that the following claims cover the variations and modifications within the true scope of the invention.