Patent ID: 9556899
Date: 2017-01-31
CPC Classifications: F16C,Y10T

Claim:
1. An apparatus forming a foil journal bearing comprising: a retainer member having an inner surface that defines an opening, said opening configured to receive a rotatable member; a top foil trailing edge tab slot extending into said retainer member; a top foil leading edge tab slot extending into said retainer member; a top foil having a trailing edge tab and a leading edge tab; wherein the trailing edge tab is disposed in the trailing edge tab slot; wherein the leading edge tab is disposed in the leading edge tab slot; wherein said leading edge tab slot and said trailing edge tab slot have depths of unequal magnitude a backup support structure positioned between and at least partially defined by said top foil trailing edge tab slot and said top foil leading edge tab slot, and said backup support structure integral to said retainer member; whereupon, in the absence of rotation of the rotatable member, the trailing edge tab is in contact, at an initial contact pressure, with the backup support; whereupon, during rotation of the rotatable member, the trailing edge tab is urged into increased contact, at a subsequent contact pressure higher than the initial contact pressure, with the backup support.