To optimize material usage and minimize costs, “preset” is a technique employed during the installation of sliding bearings. Typically, the length of the upper bearing plate accounts for the bearing’s length, plus allowances for both reversible and irreversible movements.
Initially, the bearing is centered on the upper plate, disregarding the direction of irreversible movement. Recognizing that this movement usually occurs in a single direction, the bearing is strategically offset or “preset” by half the irreversible movement distance from the plate’s midpoint.
This preset adjustment enables the upper plate’s length to be reduced, as it only needs to accommodate the bearing’s length, one instance of irreversible movement, and allowances for reversible movement in both directions. By strategically positioning the bearing during installation, the upper plate can be minimized without compromising functionality, leading to material savings and cost efficiency.
In essence, preset is a calculated offset of the sliding bearing during installation, allowing for a reduction in the upper plate’s dimensions while maintaining the bearing’s performance and the bridge’s structural integrity.