Patent ID: 7856719
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: F16C,G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: defining a fluid dynamic journal bearing between a bore and a shaft, wherein the bore is defined by a sleeve and the fluid dynamic journal bearing supports rotation of the shaft and the sleeve relative to one another; coupling a thrust plate transversely to the shaft, wherein the thrust plate has a first axial thrust surface and an ungrooved second axial surface, the first thrust surface and a sleeve thrust surface defining together a first fluid dynamic thrust bearing; defining an asymmetrical journal bearing between the shaft and the sleeve, wherein the asymmetrical journal bearing establishes an asymmetric pressure directed toward the first fluid dynamic thrust bearing; and mounting an ungrooved counterplate to the sleeve which, together with the ungrooved second axial surface of the thrust plate, defines a gap that is in fluid communication with the first fluid dynamic thrust bearing and the fluid dynamic journal bearing, wherein the asymmetric pressure defined by the asymmetric journal bearing is further operable to act against a portion of the ungrooved second axial surface disposed radially inward of the radius of the shaft to support distancing of the ungrooved second axial surface from the counterplate.