Story Behind the Invention
Inventor Eric Claud of Bartlett, TN has created an innovative new bearing assembly with enhanced properties that can be utilized in place of standard bearings to eliminate even more heat, wear, and power loss.
Having studied diverse fields of mechanics and science, Eric realized the interplay between those fields and the overlap of certain repeating shapes and numbers inherent in nature, specifically the sine wave, where equilibriums and oscillations manifest their seemingly obvious properties, such as electromagnetic waves making up the visible light spectrum. Their actual understanding is just beyond reach. Biomimicry is one such referenced science. Also known as biomimetics, it is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Attempting to mentally assimilate the multitude of technological fields, Eric knew there was some way to reduce friction using oscillations or somehow make a bearing material incorporating the sine wave into its surface. He started combing through research on nano structuring and tribology. Other inventors have modeled the sine wave into pulleys or rollers in conveyor systems, abrasive cutting wheels, journal bearings, shafts, and even the recent shark wheels, but no one had tried to incorporate it into a roller bearing. In turn, he was inspired to develop the Sinusoid Bearing!
Now heat and energy loss due to friction can be further minimized thanks to the rollers reduced contact surface area. The valleys between the parallel sinusoidal undulations in the roller elements surface reduce materials while maintaining the same effective diameter. The valleys also act as lubricant reservoirs, or grease pockets, thereby increasing lubricant capacity and extending both the life of the lubricating medium and the bearing material itself. The invention could easily be installed in retrofit applications requiring newer standards, as a replacement when servicing failed bearings, or in any future applications requiring antifriction rolling devices.
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Reviews
John Hemphill –
I’m a power boater with an inboard/outboard boat (if you’re not familiar, it’s basically a slightly modified GM engine with a Mercruiser outdrive. The engine driveshaft goes though a hull plate tube that holds a gimbal bearing. Gimbal bearings regularly wear out because the outdrive shaft incorporates 2 u-joints to allow vertical trimming, and horizontal turning. The u-joints are the same type as car driveshaft. Imagine the torsion forces on the gimbal bearing with u-joints that turn at 45 degree angles! Bad design from the start but Mercruiser and Volvo Penta outdrives have had this same design for decades. The standard gimbal bearing is a simple ball bearing type. Thinking your invention could solve this wear problem. Millions of boats have this same configuration.