Importance

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Abstract

A thrust bearing assembly including a ring-like support structure having a castellated end configuration, a ring-like dynamic race, and a ring-like thrust washer sandwiched between the castellated end configuration and the dynamic race. The castellated end configuration defines a plurality of support regions and a plurality of notches between adjacent support regions. The thrust washer sits atop the castellations of the support structure. The castellated end configuration of the support structure provides intermittent support regions and intermittent unsupported regions to the thrust washer. When a thrust load is applied to the bearing assembly, the thrust washer elastically flexes at the unsupported regions and creates undulations in the washer's dynamic surface to create an initial hydrodynamic fluid wedge with respect to a mating surface of the dynamic race. The gradually converging geometry created by these undulations promotes a strong hydrodynamic action that wedges a lubricant film of a predictable magnitude into the dynamic interface between the thrust washer and the dynamic race in response to relative rotation. This lubricant film physically separates the dynamic surfaces of the thrust washer and dynamic race from each other, thus minimizing asperity contact, and reducing friction, wear and bearing-generated heat, while permitting operation at higher load and speed combinations.

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First Claim