SKF
Design of Bearing Arrangements (Spherical Plain)
Designing the bearing arrangement involves specifying the housing bore tolerance, shaft pin diameter and hardness, and the method of axial retention. The housing must support the outer ring without pinching or excessive clearance. The shaft pin surface finish and hardness must be compatible with the bearing inner ring or liner to prevent wear. Proper arrangement prevents edge loading, maintains the required tilt angle clearance, and ensures that the bearing functions as a true articulating joint rather than binding. SKF provides detailed tolerance and fit recommendations for each bearing type.
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Housing Bore Tolerance
Typically H7 for radial bearings; ensures correct outer ring support.
Shaft Pin Diameter and Hardness
Usually f7 tolerance, minimum 55 HRC for steel‑on‑steel.
Axial Retention Methods
Snap rings, end plates, or threaded rings prevent axial creep.
Allowance for Tilt Angle
Adjacent structure must not interfere at maximum misalignment.
Seal Integration Space
Provision for lip seal or V‑ring mounting next to bearing.
Bearing Preload and Clearance Control
Axial or radial preload in matched sets.
Avoiding Edge Loading Through Correct Housing Pin Design
If the shaft pin is too soft or lacks sufficient support length, it bends under load, causing the bearing to edge‑load on one side. This concentrates stress on a small portion of the liner, leading to rapid wear. SKF specifies pin deflection limits and preferred length‑to‑diameter ratios that prevent edge loading.
Configured Preload in Angular Contact Spherical Pairs
For high‑precision linkages like helicopter rotor attachments, matched angular contact pairs are preloaded by shimming the outer rings. This removes all clearance, increasing stiffness and preventing backlash. SKF provides preload‑setting procedures and shim‑thickness calculations based on measured heights of the bearing pair.