IDEA #94NJAW Bearing device, retention mechanism and method for retaining at least one pad

Method, retention mechanism and bearing device for retaining at least one pad inside the bearing device. The bearing device includes a ring having at least a retaining head, at least one pad disposed inside the ring and having a bottom recess portion configured to receive the at least a retaining head, the at least one pad being configured to pivot on the at least a retaining head, and a retention mechanism configured to retain the at least one pad within a predetermined volume inside the ring. The retention mechanism is configured to apply a retaining force on the at least one pad, in addition to a force between the retaining head and the at least one pad, where the retaining force acts substantially along a radial direction of the ring, away from a center of the ring. https://app.acclaimip.com/pdf/bS2o5cl2nHbqLaiALHaceoGIFaxUA9SYOxtE12w/US8734019B2