Car wheel hub bearing with elastic support surface

During vehicle operation, the bearing units are exposed to impact loads. The effect of impact loads on the hub bearings of the vehicle is caused by the vehicle’s movement on large uneven road surfaces. When the wheels suddenly hit a ledge or a hole, impact loads occur, which lead to a decrease in the service life of the bearings. The presence of elastic elements in the vehicle suspension reduces the effect of impact loads, but does not eliminate them. The main factors affecting the reliability of bearings in operation are considered. Bearing designs with an elastic support surface are proposed, which reduce impact loads on rolling elements and increase their reliability. The use of an elastic support ring in the design of plain bearings allows for uniform distribution of external forces acting on it, absorbing vibrations and reducing noise during operation. Mathematical modeling of the car suspension operation in transient modes made it possible to select the optimal parameters of the bearing unit taking into account the minimization of impact loads in its elements. The choice of the optimal geometric dimensions of the rubber support ring of the bearing unit is substantiated. The results of experimental studies on a pendulum impact tester of impact loads acting on rolling bearings with different designs of support rubber rings are presented. It was found that the material of the elastic support surface absorbs up to 10 % of the impact energy. The results of the experimental studies confirm the feasibility of using elastic support rings in rolling bearings. Keywords car, bearing, elastic, support, modeling, experiment, reliability