Stable preload shock mounted bearing assembly

Abstract

A cylindrical bearing housing has an axial bore therethrough and external threads. A land is formed around the circumference of the bore having a width less than the axial length of the bore. A bearing member has a bearing surface on one end accessible through one end of the bore and has shoulders on each end of the bearing member. The bearing member is fabricated to pass through the bore and to have a length such that the shoulders are spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the land. An elastic filler material is disposed between the bearing member and the walls of the bore while the bearing member is suspended centrally therein, thereby retaining the bearing member axially in the bore. The bearing housing is configured for mounting and axial adjustment in a base member. A rotating member having a pair of pivots, one each on opposite sides thereof is provided having an axis of rotation passing through the pivots. When mounted bearing assemblies are positioned so that the bearing surfaces contact the pivots, a preload is set having improved stability over wide temperature variation. In one embodiment of the bearing assembly, the elastic filler material applies a shear force against the bearing member for preloading its bearing surface against the associated pivot. In another embodiment, separate apparatus, specifically a spring member applies a force against the back of the bearing member to at least aid in preloading the bearing surface against its associated pivot.