What type of bearing arrangement is commonly used to accommodate misalignment?

Offset bearings are specifically designed to accommodate misalignment in mechanical systems. This arrangement allows for a certain degree of angular displacement between the shaft and the housing. The design of offset bearings creates a flexible interface that enables the shaft to operate smoothly, even when there are slight misalignments due to manufacturing tolerances or wear over time.

The advantage of using offset bearings is that they help prevent undue stress and potential premature failure of components that may occur if a rigid bearing arrangement were employed in the presence of misalignment. Additionally, they can reduce vibrations and improve the overall operational stability of the machinery.

In contrast, other types of bearings, such as full bearings or fitted bearings, require precise alignment and do not accommodate misalignment well, risking damage or increased wear in misaligned conditions. Meanwhile, partial bearings also lack the flexibility needed to effectively deal with misalignment, which further highlights the suitability of offset bearings for this purpose.