Patent ID: 8036863
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: F16C,F16H,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a bearing pocket in a housing, the bearing pocket being configured to receive a bearing assembly having an inner bearing race, an outer bearing race and a plurality of bearing elements disposed between the inner and outer bearing races, the bearing pocket having a bearing bore with a circumferential surface that is configured to be engaged via an interference fit with the outer bearing race, the method comprising: generating a mathematical model of the housing, the mathematical model including a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion and a definition of geometry of at least a portion of the housing that includes the bearing pocket; using the mathematical model to determine where the circumferential surface of the bearing bore will distort in response to a predetermined change in a temperature of the housing such that one or more of the bearing elements cease to distribute load between the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race at a desired level; modifying the mathematical model of the housing to reflect a change in the geometry of the housing in which at least one recess is formed in the circumferential surface, the at least one recess being configured to reduce the distortion of the circumferential surface effected by the predetermined change in the temperature of the housing such that all of the bearing elements distribute load between the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race; and forming the housing in conformance with the modified mathematical model of the housing.