New Technology, Non-Lubricant Bearings

PPMA, LLC proposes development of a unique, innovative, high speed bearing that is lubrication-free and requires no maintenance. It will rely on a lubricious material capable of operating at low component loads at high speed. We propose developing this high speed material for application at operating conditions and requirements of Tactical Vehicle steering drivelines and components, e.g. universal joints, knuckles, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, etc. We developed an innovative universal joint bearing cup employing a patented surface design technology ("GC"-Geometrically contoured), which will be interactively integrated with the new material as a tribological system. The universal joint was proven on the HMMWV in field tests for which it received the Army 1995 Quality Award and was acclaimed at the 2004 NATO RTE Conference. A lubricious material, with superior surface characteristics, without coatings, was concurrently developed. Its development has been privately continued. This material will be the starting basis for Phase I. Bench tests will demonstrate its performance while providing data applicable to the components selected by TARDEC for operational evaluation in Phase II.