Reliable, Easy to Use, Spherical Bearing Wear Indication (1001-830) Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-016 Topic Title: Reliable, Easy to Use, Spherical Bearing Wear Indication (1001-830) Proposal No.: N121-016-0095 Firm: TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts 01824 Contact: Tyson Lawrence Phone: (978) 250-4200 Web Site: www.tritonsys.com Abstract: In response to Navy SBIR solicitation N112-016 Wear Indicating Lined Spherical Bearings Triton Systems, Inc. is pleased to submit this proposal. Lined, spherical bearings are used in a variety of aerospace applications to provide a connection between two structures experiencing rotating and/or misaligning motions. An issue often arises in the ability to measure the wear within a lined bearing especially when the bearing is in a hard to reach/see location or under load. Wear in a lined bearing is inherit and is acceptable to a limit, but beyond that, the bearing becomes more susceptible to failure. The proposed solution will provide simple feedback to maintenance personnel when a bearing has reached the end of its useful life. The Triton wear indicator will eliminate the need for manual measurement using feeler gauges which can result in inconsistent results and damage the bearing liner. Benefits: The ability to effectively provide indication, once wear in the bearing has reached an allowable limit, can help mitigate the chance of bearing failure and the associated hazards. The proposed indicator can be applied to stand alone bearings or rod end bearing assemblies of all sizes. The orientation of the bearing within the housing/fixture will not affect the capability of the wear indication system (it will operate circumferentially). Trial bearings will be those used on US Navy or Marine Corp fixed or rotating wing aircraft selected by the TPOC. The system will work on continuous rotation dynamic components or intermittent rotation applications, such as landing gear, control surface attachments or other control actuators. The wear indicator will provide response early enough that flight operations can be completed with remaining liner. The Triton indicator system will not negatively impact bearing performance. Thus, bearing function will be maintained as well as predictable, consistent wear and current bearing life. The bearing will still meet the complete requirements of the associated AS standard, for example AS81819. The resulting wear indicator will save the Navy time and money and improve safety. The system also has the potential for transition to the commercial aircraft market for production and maintenance cost reductions and reduced risk of unexpected bearing failure enhancing both safety and reliability. Return