Flexure bearing support, with particular application to Stirling machines

Patent · Tue Jun 04 00:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:242579

Beckett, C D; Lauhala, V C; Neely, R; Penswick, L B; Ritter, D C; Nelson, R L; Wimer, B P

The use of flexures in the form of flat spiral springs cut from sheet metal materials provides support for coaxial non-rotating linear reciprocating members in power conversion machinery, such as Stirling cycle engines or heat pumps. They permit operation with little or no rubbing contact or other wear mechanisms. The relatively movable members include one member having a hollow interior structure within which the flexures are located. The flexures permit limited axial movement between the interconnected members, but prevent adverse rotational movement and radial displacement from their desired coaxial positions. 8 figs.

• Research Organization: Stirling TechnologyCompany
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-90ER80864
• Assignee: Stirling Technology Co., Kennewick, WA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,522,214/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-105,156
• OSTI ID: 242579
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 4 Jun 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES
STIRLING ENGINES
SUPPORTS
DESIGN
FLEXURAL STRENGTH
WEAR RESISTANCE
OPERATION
FLEXIBILITY