초록 ▼

A bearing system has a bearing axis initially coincident with a shaft axis and an outer member axis. An inner bearing element is associated with and coupled to the shaft. An outer bearing element is associated with and coupled to the outer member. A first of the inner and outer bearing elements is c

A bearing system has a bearing axis initially coincident with a shaft axis and an outer member axis. An inner bearing element is associated with and coupled to the shaft. An outer bearing element is associated with and coupled to the outer member. A first of the inner and outer bearing elements is coupled to its associated member via a coupling having a trunnion stiffness which, upon experiencing a trunnion moment above a threshold moment, releases from an initial stiffness to a reduced stiffness, less than the initial stiffness, entering a released condition and allowing the shaft axis to locally rotate out of parallel with the outer member axis.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A bearing system for rotatably coupling a shaft member to an outer member for relative rotation about a bearing axis initially coincident with a shaft axis and an outer member axis, comprising:an inner bearing element associated with and coupled to the shaft;an outer be

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A bearing system for rotatably coupling a shaft member to an outer member for relative rotation about a bearing axis initially coincident with a shaft axis and an outer member axis, comprising:an inner bearing element associated with and coupled to the shaft;an outer bearing element associated with and coupled to the outer member; rein a first of said inner and outer bearing elements is coupled to its associated member of the shaft member and outer member via a coupling having:a first coupling member having a doubly convex outer surface portion; anda second coupling member having a doubly concave inner surface portion contacting the doubly convex outer surface portion; anda trunnion stiffness which upon experiencing a trunnion moment above a threshold moment releases from an initial stiffness to a reduced stiffness less than the initial stiffness, entering a released condition and allowing relative sliding of the doubly convex outer surface portion and the doubly concave inner surface so as to permit the shaft axis to locally rotate out of parallel with the outer member axis.