High Reliability with HWB (Hydro Wave Bearing)

Radial Direction

Axial Direction

shaft

thrust plate

bearing

(b) HWB

washer

shaft

stop ring

thrust plate

HWB

Figure 1:

Pressure distribution in each load direction.

Figure 1:

Construction of HWB

Panaflo’s unique hydrowave bearing (HWB) addresses the traditional weakness of sleeve bearings…axial fric-

tion. By utilizing our unique HWB system, the thrust plate “floats” on a circulating film of oil, which greatly

reduces the axial friction and the bearing’s deterioration. The HWB pattern on the bearing virtually eliminates

thrust plate contact which is depicted above.

As the shaft rotates it acts as a pump constantly circulating the oil in the radial, as well as the axial direction.

The sealed system and reservoirs of oil maintain the proper lubrication to minimize mechanical contact and

prolong the fan’s life expectancy. The radial direction analysis shown above is essentially the same as a tradi-

tional sleeve bearing. Panasonic’s unique HWB reduces the axial contact.

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