US010450060B2

(12) United States Patent (10 ) Patent No.: US 10 ,450, 060 B2

Day et al. (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 22 , 2019
(54 ) ELASTOMERIC BEARING WITH TAB FOR (56 ) References Cited
THERMOCOUPLE AND SYSTEM FOR USE
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71) Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort 4,278 ,881 A * 7/1981 Mann ................. F16C 17 / 24
Worth , TX (US ) 250 /227 . 21
(72 ) Inventors : Clifton B . Day , Weatherford , TX (US); 4,357 ,057 A * 11/1982 Peterson ............... B64C 27 / 35
384 / 125
Frank B . Stamps, Colleyville, TX 5,381,692 A * 1/ 1995 Winslow ... ......... GO1M 13/045
(US ); Jason Hoyle, Mansfield , TX (US ) 340/682
5,449,152 A * 9/ 1995 Byrnes ............... B64C 27/51
(73 ) Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc ., Fort 5,691,707 A * 11/1997
267 / 141 . 1
Smith ................. F16C 33/6622
Worth , TX (US ) 184 / 108
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6 ,093,001 A * 7 /2000 Burgreen ............ F04D 29 / 0467
415 / 176
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6 ,140 ,720 A * 10 /2000 Certain .................. B64C 27/35
U . S . C . 154 (b ) by 636 days . 310 /43
6 ,236 , 328 B1 * 5 /2001 Smith ................. GOIM 13 /045
(21) Appl. No.: 15/229,461 7 ,686 ,584 B2 3 / 2010 Schmaling
184 / 108
(22 ) Filed : Aug. 5 , 2016 7 ,688 ,218 B2 * 3 / 2010 LeFebvre B61K 9 /00
340 /682
9 ,334 , 048 B2 * 5 / 2016 Burnett F16F 1/41
(65 ) Prior Publication Data 2012 /0257847 A1 * 10 /2012 Allred ............ B64C 27 /35
384 /221
US 2018 /0037318 A1 Feb . 8 , 2018
(Continued )
(51) Int. CI.
B64C 2735 ( 2006 .01) Primary Examiner — Carlos A Rivera
B64D 43 / 00 ( 2006 .01) Assistant Examiner — Wayne A Lambert
B64C 29 / 00 ( 2006 .01) (74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm — Lightfoot & Alford
B64C 27/ 14 ( 2006 .01) PLLC
B64D 45/ 00 ( 2006 .01)
(52) U .S . CI.
CPC . ............. B64C 27/35 (2013 .01 ); B64C 27/ 14 (57) ABSTRACT
( 2013 .01 ); B64C 29/0033 (2013 .01); B64D A laminated elastomeric bearing has layers of elastomeric
43 /00 (2013 .01 ); B64D 45 / 00 ( 2013 .01); B64D material and layers of metal. A tab is located on a periphery
2045 /0085 (2013 .01 ) of one of the layers ofmetal and protrudes from the bearing.
(58 ) Field of Classification Search A thermoelectric device is coupled to the tab , and heat
CPC ....... B64C 27 /35 ; B64C 27 / 14 ; B64C 27 / 006 ; generated within the bearing during use is conducted to the
B64C 27/ 32 ; B64C 29/0033; B64D tab and to the thermoelectric device, allowing for measure
45/ 00 ; B64D 43 / 00 ; B64D 2045 / 0085 ; ment of the heat .
F04D 27 /001 ; F05B 2260 /83
USPC . ...... .. 267/ 140.4 , 141.2 , 278 - 282, 292– 294
See application file for complete search history . 21 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

DED
195
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 US 10 ,450 , 060 B2
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(56) References Cited

U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
2013 /0084193 Al * 4 /2013 Beers ................. F04D 17 / 12
417 /44 . 1
2016 /0091017 A1 * 3/2016 Mueller ........ F16C 17 / 22
384 / 125
* cited by examiner
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FLIGHT 163
INSTRUMENTS

CRUISE
GUIDE
INDICATOR

FLIGHT
59 CONTROL
SYSTEM

RECORD
STORAGE

FIG . 8
 US 10 ,450 ,060 B2
ELASTOMERIC BEARING WITH TAB FOR a fuselage 13, transverse wing 15 , and rotatable nacelles 17
THERMOCOUPLE AND SYSTEM FOR USE at opposing ends of wing 15 . Each nacelle 17 houses an
engine (not shown ) for causing rotation of an associated
BACKGROUND rotor hub assembly 19 . In the embodiment shown , each rotor
5 hub assembly 19 is configured for supporting three blades
Elastomeric bearings are used to allow limited relative 20 .
FIG . 2 through 4 are oblique views of components of rotor
motion of mechanical components , such as those in aircraft
rotor hubs . One type of elastomeric bearing is a laminated hub assembly 19 , which incorporates elastomeric bearings
bearing, comprising bonded alternating layers of elastomeric according to this disclosure . Rotor hub assembly 19 com
material and a stiff material, such as a metal. These bearings 10 prises a yoke 21 having three arms 23 extending radially
can withstand high axial loads and oscillation , and they offer outward from a central portion of yoke 21 . A blade grip 25
long life, no lubrication requirement, and failsafe operation . (one shown ) is pivotally attached to each arm 23 , each grip
25 having a blade attachment portion 27 and a pitch horn 29.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Yoke 21 is driven in rotation about axis 31 by a driveshaft
15 (not shown ) that engages a central splined drive hub (not
FIG . 1 is an oblique view of an aircraft comprising visible ). The drive hub is connected to an outer bearing plate
elastomeric bearings according to this disclosure . 33 and an inner bearing plate 35 through three pairs of clevis
FIG . 2 is an oblique view of components of a rotor hub members 37 , each pair forming a clevis. The leading end of
incorporating elastomeric bearings according to this disclo - each of three drive links 39 is connected to the drive hub ,
sure. 20 and the trailing end of each link 39 is connected to the clevis
FIG . 3 is an oblique view of the rotor hub of FIG . 2 with formed by an associated pair of clevis members 37. Inner
components removed for ease of viewing . bearing plate 35 is mounted to yoke 21 , providing a path for
FIG . 4 is an oblique view of the rotor hub of FIG . 2 with torque to be transferred from the driveshaft into the drive
additional components removed for ease of viewing . hub , through the drive hub into links 39 , through links 39
FIG . 5 is a side cross - sectional view of a portion of an 25 into clevis members 37 , and through clevis members 37 into
elastomeric bearing of the rotor hub of FIG . 2 . inner bearing plate 35 and yoke 21 for driving blades 20 in
FIG . 6 is an oblique isolated view of elastomeric bearings rotation about axis 31 .
of the rotor hub of FIG . 2 . Rotor hub assembly 19 allows for gimballing, or pivoting,
FIG . 7 is another oblique isolated view of the elastomeric of yoke 21 relative to mast axis 31 , and an outer elastomeric
bearings of FIG . 6 . 30 bearing 41 and an inner elastomeric bearing 43 provide a
FIG . 8 is a schematic view of a system for use with the centering force and react loads from yoke 21 . Bearings 41 ,
elastomeric bearings of FIG . 6 . 43 are laminated elastomeric bearings, as described above,
comprising alternating bonded layers of elastomer and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION metal. Bearing 41 is fixedly mounted in outer bearing plate
35 33 , and bearing 43 is fixedly mounted in inner bearing plate
In the specification , reference may be made to the spatial 35 .
relationships between various components and to the spatial FIG . 5 is a side cross - section view of a portion of bearing
orientation of various aspects of components as the devices 43 , which is constructed similarly to bearing 41. Bearings
are depicted in the attached drawings . However, as will be 41 , 43 comprise alternating elastomeric layers 45 and metal
recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete 40 layers 47 , each layer 45 , 47 being bonded to the adjacent
reading of this disclosure , the devices, members , appara - layers 45 , 47. An outermost elastomeric layer 49 is bonded
tuses, etc . described herein may be positioned in any desired to the associated bearing plate 33 , 35 , whereas an inner
orientation. Thus, the use ofterms such as “ above," "below ," elastomeric layer 51 engages the mast. In this manner,
" upper,” “ lower," or other like terms to describe a spatial bearings 41, 43 act as spherical gimbal bearings, with elastic
relationship between various components or to describe the 45 deformation occurring in the elastomeric layers 45 relative
spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be to each other and to metal layers 47.
understood to describe a relative relationship between the During operation , deformation of elastomeric layers 45
components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such causes heating within bearings 41, 43 due to viscoelastic
components , respectively , as the device described herein damping, and excessive heating can lead to damage or
may be oriented in any desired direction . 50 failure of bearings 41, 43. This heating can be exacerbated
Mechanical components used in aircraft, road vehicles , if aircraft 11 is operating in high -temperature environmental
and other applications may require bearings for allowing conditions. Furthermore , elastomers are insulators , so heat is
relative motion of the components . For example , spherical readily dissipated only by conduction through metal layers
laminated elastomeric bearings are often used for rotor hubs 47 to the ambient air surrounding bearings 41, 43.
in rotary -wing aircraft, such as for allowing the yoke to 55 Because of these concerns about excessive heat buildup
gimbal relative to the mast . These elastomeric bearings can within bearings 41, 43 , it is necessary to operate the aircraft
build up heat during operation , and this can be exacerbated in a manner that maintains the level of heat below a selected
when the aircraft is operated in high -temperature environ - maximum or within a selected range . For example , the Bell
ments . Boeing V -22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, which uses gimbaled
This disclosure divulges a laminated elastomeric bearing 60 rotors like those described above , must be operated in a way
with a tab conductively coupled to and extending from one that minimizes excessive gimbaling of the rotors during
of the metal layers . This allows for mounting a thermo- flight.On current aircraft , a parametric system uses a heating
couple to the tab for measuring the internal temperature of equation and the measured motion of the rotors to estimate
layers within the bearing. In addition , a system for measur - the internal heating in the bearings of the rotors and alerts
ing the internal heat and utilizing the data is disclosed . 65 crewmembers , via a Cruise Guide Indicator, when the oper
FIG . 1 illustrates an aircraft 11 comprising elastomeric ating conditions will cause expected heating to exceed a
bearings according to this disclosure . Aircraft 11 comprises specified maximum . Once alerted , crewmembers may alter
 US 10 , 450, 060 B2
the operating conditions to prevent excessive heat buildup , heat buildup in the elastomeric bearings of the rotors and to
such as by limiting swashplate tilt during cruise flight. An damage or destruction of the bearings.
additional system for in - flight measurement of the actual The signalmay also be communicated to FCS 67, which
level of heat within bearings 41, 43 would augment the is an electronic system that is configured to command at
parametric system as a feedback loop . 5 least some flight controls of the aircraft . FCS 67 can
To allow for direct measurement of the temperature command flight controls in response to the signal, so as to
within bearings 41 , 43, at least one tab 53 is located on a control heat buildup within the bearings of the rotors without
peripheral portion 55 of at least one of metal layers 47 and crewmember input. This may occur during all flight condi
protrudes from the associated elastomeric bearing 41, 43, as 10 controlled by anlimited
tions or may be to periods when the aircraft is being
autopilot portion of FCS 67 .
shown in FIGS . 5 through 7 . Tab 53 may be formed as an The signal may also be communicated to a record storage
integral portion at the periphery ofmetal layer 47 , or tab 53
may be a separate component formed from a heat-conduct atsystem 69 , which can be configured to generate records of
least one characteristic of the signal. The records gener
ing material and attached to peripheral portion 55 for ated may include , for example, temperature values for rotor
thermal conduction of heat from metal layer 47 . Tab 53 is
preferably a planar component and preferably has a hole 57 15 bearings and external ( ambient) air temperature, and these
values may be used to plot temperature versus time or rates
formed therein , and tabs 53 may be located at any appro of change of temperature . Data stored by system 69 can be
priate angular position on bearings 41 , 43. As shown in FIG . used , for example , by crewmembers or flight-training per
5 on one of tabs 53 , each tab 53 is preferably insulated by sonnel to evaluate crewmember performance or by mainte
an insulator 58 from ambient conditions, such as air flow or 20 nance personnel to determine if bearings require inspection
external sources of heat, to prevent heat loss or gain in tabs or replacement.
53. At least one tab 53 can be located on each of multiple At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations ,
metal layers 47 , as shown in FIG . 5 , and multiple tabs 53 can combinations, and /or modifications of the embodiment(s )
be used on one metal layer 47 , as shown in FIG . 6 . and / or features of the embodiment ( s ) made by a person
Each tab 53 allows for a thermoelectric device , such as a 25 having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the
thermocouple ( FIG . 8 ), to be coupled to tab 53 and provide disclosure . Alternative embodiments that result from com
for direct measurement of heat conducted to tab 53 through bining, integrating, and / or omitting features of the embodi
the associated metal layer 47 from within bearing 41 , 43 . ment( s ) are also within the scope of the disclosure . Where
Tabs 53 are necessary for measurement of heat, as a ther- numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated , such
moelectric device would not survive within bearings 41, 43 30 express ranges or limitations should be understood to
due to the straining of elastomeric layers 45 . The optimum include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude
location for each tab 53 is one that positions tabs 53 to falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g .,
measure heat in areas of elastomeric layers 45 that have the from about 1 to about 10 includes , 2 , 3 , 4 , etc . ; greater than
highest shear modulus and highest actual strain level. 0 . 10 includes 0 . 11, 0 . 12 , 0 . 13 , etc .). For example , whenever
FIG . 8 illustrates a system 59 for measuring heat within 35 a numerical range with a lower limit, R7, and an upper limit,
an elastomeric bearing, such as bearing 41, and the same R ,,, is disclosed , any number falling within the range is
system or a separate system can also be used to measure heat specifically disclosed . In particular, the following numbers
within bearing 43 . System 59 comprises an elastomeric within the range are specifically disclosed : R = R ; + k * (R ,,
bearing , which is represented here by bearing 41, a tab 53 in R ,), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100
thermal conduction with a metal layer not shown ) of 40 percent with a 1 percent increment, i. e ., k is 1 percent, 2
bearing 41, a thermoelectric device 61, such as a thermo- percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51
couple , in thermal communication with tab 53, and at least percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 95 percent,
one electronic aircraft system . Heat generated within bear - 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any
ing 41 is conducted through a metal layer to an associated numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the
tab 53 , and this heat is then conducted to device 61, which 45 above is also specifically disclosed . Use of the term " option
generates a signal associated with a temperature value ally ” with respect to any element of a claim means that the
indicating the measured level of heat. This signalmay be a element is required , or alternatively , the element is not
signal proportional to the temperature value , such as a required , both alternatives being within the scope of the
varying voltage , or may be a temperature value determined claim . Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes , and
by an on -board electronic system . 50 having should be understood to provide support for narrower
As shown in the schematic view of FIG . 8 , the signal is terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and
then communicated to other aircraft systems, which may comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of pro
include, for example , a flight instruments system 63 , a tection is not limited by the description set out above but is
Cruise Guide Indicator 65 , a flight control system (FCS ) 67, defined by the claims that follow , that scope including all
and a record storage system 69. Flight instruments system 63 55 equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and
may be configured to , in response to the signal, provide an every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the
eve
indication of the temperature value to a crewmember of the specification and the claims are embodiment (s ) of the pres
aircraft. This indication may be , for example , through visual ent invention .
or audible means, such as a cockpit display showing the
temperature value or a visual or audible warning when the 60 What is claimed is :
temperature value is approaching or has exceeded a speci- 1. A bearing providing for measurement of internal heat
fied maximum . generated during use, comprising :
One specific instrument system that may be used is the a laminated elastomeric bearing , comprising layers of
Cruise Guide Indicator 65 , as discussed above , which warns elastomeric material and layers of metal ;
crewmembers that the flight configuration of the aircraft can 65 a tab located on a periphery of one of the layers of metal
cause or is causing excessive swashplate tilt in the rotors and protruding from the bearing; and
during cruise flight. This condition can lead to excessive a thermoelectric device coupled to the tab ;
 US 10 ,450 ,060 B2
wherein heat generated within the bearing during use is wherein the signal is communicated to the flight control
conducted to the tab and to the thermoelectric device , system , and the flight control system commands at least
allowing for measurement of the heat. one flight control in response to the signal.
2 . The bearing of claim 1, wherein multiple tabs are 12 . The aircraft of claim 9 , further comprising:
located on one layer of metal. 5 an electronic storage system ;
3 . The bearing of claim 1 , wherein at least one tab is wherein the signal is communicated to the storage system ,
located on each of multiple layers of metal. and the storage system generates a record of at least one
characteristic of the signal.
4 . The bearing of claim 1 , wherein the tab is insulated 13. The aircraft of claim 9 , wherein multiple tabs are
from ambient conditions external to the bearing . 10 located on one layer of metal.
5 . A rotor assembly for an aircraft, comprising: 14 . The aircraft of claim 9 , wherein at least one tab is
a rotor hub having a laminated elastomeric gimbal bear - located on each ofmultiple layers of metal.
ing , the bearing comprising layers of elastomeric mate 15 . The aircraft of claim 9 , wherein the tab is insulated
rial and layers of metal; from ambient conditions external to the elastomeric bearing .
16 . A system for measuring heat generated within a
a tab located on a periphery of one of the layers ofmetal 1515 laminated elastomeric bearing during use of the bearing , the
and protruding from the bearing; and system comprising :
a thermoelectric device coupled to the tab ; the laminated elastomeric bearing, comprising layers of
wherein heat generated within the bearing during gimbal elastomeric material and layers ofmetal;
ing of the rotor hub is conducted to the tab and to the a tab located on a periphery of one of the layers ofmetal
thermoelectric device, allowing for measurementof the 20 and protruding from the elastomeric bearing ; and
heat. a thermoelectric device coupled to the tab ;
6 . The rotor assembly of claim 5 , wherein multiple tabs wherein heat generated within the bearing during use is
are located on one layer of metal. conducted through the tab to the thermoelectric device ,
7 . The rotor assembly of claim 5 , wherein at least one tab the device generating a signal associated with a tem
is located on each of multiple layers of metal. 25 perature value for indicating the amount of heat within
8. The rotor assembly of claim 5 , wherein the tab is the bearing.
insulated from ambient conditions external to the bearing. 17 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising :
9 . An aircraft, comprising: an electronic indication system ;
a rotor hub coupled to the aircraft through a laminated wherein the signal is communicated to the indication
elastomeric gimbal bearing, the bearing comprising 30 system , and the indication system generates a visual or
layers of elastomeric material and layers ofmetal; audible indication in response to the signal.
a tab located on a periphery of one of the layers of metal 18 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising:
and protruding from the bearing; and an electronic flight control system ;
a thermoelectric device coupled to the tab ; wherein the signal is communicated to the flight control
wherein heat generated within the bearing during gimbal- 35 system , and the flight control system commands at least
ing of the rotor hub is conducted through the tab and to one flight control in response to the signal.
the thermoelectric device , the device generating a sig 19 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising :
nal associated with a temperature value for indicating an electronic storage system ;
the amount of heat within the bearing . wherein the signal is communicated to the storage system ,
40 and the storage system generates a record of at least one
10. The aircraft of claim 9 , further comprising: characteristic of the signal.
an electronic indication system ; 20 . The system of claim 16 , wherein multiple tabs are
wherein the signal is communicated to the indication located on one layer of metal.
system , and the indication system generates a visual or
audible indication in response to the signal. 21 . The system of claim 16 , wherein at least one tab is
11. The aircraft of claim 9 , further comprising: 45 located on each ofmultiple layers of metal.
an electronic flight control system ;