Hydraulic release bearing vs mechanical release bearing

I. Working Principle

Hydraulic release bearing: The hydraulic release bearing controls the position of the clutch disc and the contact force with the flywheel through hydraulic pressure, so as to realise the separation and merging of the clutch. When the hydraulic system is activated, the hydraulic release bearing automatically separates and forms a liquid film, which reduces the contact between the bearing and the supporting surface, lowers the friction coefficient and wear, and thus reduces energy loss and heat generation. This principle of operation makes the hydraulic release bearing more precise and smoother in controlling the clutch release and merging process.

Mechanical release bearings: Mechanical release bearings transmit the load in the bearing by rolling or sliding to achieve clutch separation and consolidation. The principle of operation is relatively simple, relying mainly on the interaction of mechanical components to achieve the function of the clutch. However, this method is prone to wear and failure under high frequency use and harsh environments.

II. Structural Components

Hydraulic release bearing: The structure of hydraulic release bearing is relatively simple, mainly composed of clutch plate, thin iron plate and hydraulic chamber. This structure makes the hydraulic release bearing excellent in integration and sealing, which is conducive to reducing foreign body intrusion and poor lubrication problems.

Mechanical separation bearings: the structure of mechanical separation bearings is relatively complex, generally consists of inner and outer rings, rolling elements and cage and other parts. The rolling elements vary according to the different types of bearings, and they bear the loads in the bearings by rotating or sliding. The assembly of mechanical separation bearings is also relatively cumbersome, requiring more mechanical parts and connectors.

Third, the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic release bearings vs. mechanical release bearings

Hydraulic release bearings and mechanical release bearings each have their own advantages and applicable scenarios, it is impossible to simply say which one is better, but need to choose according to the specific application needs and environment. The following is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the two, in order to more fully understand their characteristics:

Hydraulic release bearing

Hydraulic release bearing advantages:

1. Precise control: the hydraulic release bearing controls the position of the clutch disc and the contact force with the flywheel through hydraulic pressure, which enables more precise control and makes the clutch release and merging process smoother.

2. Reduced wear: As the hydraulic release bearing is able to form a liquid film during operation, it reduces the direct contact between the bearing and the supporting surface, thus reducing the coefficient of friction and wear, and prolonging the service life of the bearing.

3. Adapt to high speed: hydraulic release bearing adopts pressure oil film separation between bearing and shaft, which makes the coefficient of friction very small and the rotation stable, and can adapt to the use of high speed rotating equipment.

4. Simple structure: the structure of the hydraulic release bearing is relatively simple, mainly composed of clutch plate, thin iron plate and hydraulic chamber, which makes its installation and maintenance relatively easy.

Disadvantages of hydraulic release bearing:

1. High cost: hydraulic release bearing manufacturing needs to use high-precision machining process to ensure that the bearing adopts the principle of hydraulic release after the high precision, which leads to its relatively high manufacturing costs.

2. Difficulty in maintenance: hydraulic release bearing needs to access the liquid pressure system, and through the oil pipe connected to the hydraulic oil tank, the technical difficulty is large, the maintenance is also relatively complex, need professional and technical personnel for maintenance.

Mechanical separation bearing

Mechanical separation bearing advantages:

1. Wide applicability: mechanical separation bearings are widely used in transmission systems, aviation, machinery and other fields, is a commonly used mechanical parts, has wide applicability.

2. Simple structure: relative to hydraulic release bearings, mechanical release bearings have a more direct and simple structure, consisting of inner and outer rings, rolling body and cage and other parts.

3. Convenient maintenance: the maintenance and replacement of mechanical release bearings is relatively simple and does not require complex hydraulic system support.

Mechanical separation bearing disadvantages:

1. Faster wear: in high-frequency use and harsh environments, the rolling bodies of mechanical separation bearings are prone to wear and tear, resulting in performance degradation.

2. Limited control accuracy: mechanical release bearings transfer loads by rolling or sliding, and their control accuracy is lower compared to hydraulic release bearings.

In summary, hydraulic release bearings and mechanical release bearings have their own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting them, it is necessary to consider them according to specific application scenarios, speed requirements, control accuracy, cost budget and maintenance convenience. For example, hydraulic release bearings may be more suitable in scenarios that require precise control of the clutch release and merging process, adaptation to high speeds, and reduction of wear and tear; while mechanical release bearings may be more suitable in scenarios that have higher requirements for cost and maintenance convenience.