Annular Crane Bearing Layout for Balanced Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annular bearing assemblies for hoisting cranes suffer from suboptimal force distribution, wear, fatigue, and complex manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
An annular bearing assembly comprising a lower ring and a moveable upper ring with a specific arrangement of rollers and slide pads, allowing for improved force distribution and simplified assembly and maintenance through the use of a guide block and half-annular upper ring parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional annular bearing assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the force distribution is suboptimal leading to wear and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The upper ring is divided into two separate parts: a first upper ring part and a second upper ring part. This segmentation allows for optimized force distribution paths while maintaining structural integrity. The first upper ring part carries vertical loads through rollers, while the second upper ring part handles horizontal loads through slide pads, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing assembly are assigned different functional qualities: the first upper ring part is designed with rollers for vertical load bearing, while the second upper ring part incorporates slide pads for horizontal load bearing. This local differentiation optimizes force distribution across the entire bearing structure, improving reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
2Ease of repair
If the upper ring is made as a single piece, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the maintenance becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The upper ring is segmented into two separable parts that can be independently removed and replaced during maintenance operations. This segmentation enables easier repair and replacement of worn components without requiring complete disassembly of the entire bearing assembly, directly addressing the maintenance difficulty while accepting moderate manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If metal-to-metal contact occurs during assembly, then the assembly process is faster, but damage and wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
A guide block is introduced as an intermediary element during the assembly process. The guide block prevents direct metal-to-metal contact between the first upper ring part and the lower ring during installation, protecting components from damage and wear. After assembly, the guide block is removed, so it does not remain as a permanent component affecting the bearing's operation.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the bearing assembly uses conventional force distribution, then the structure is simpler, but wear and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into specialized load-bearing components: rollers in the first upper ring part for vertical loads and slide pads in the second upper ring part for horizontal loads. This segmentation creates optimized force distribution paths that reduce wear and fatigue, extending service life while accepting increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the bearing assembly are assigned specific functional qualities optimized for their respective load types. The first upper ring part incorporates rollers specifically for vertical load bearing, while the second upper ring part incorporates slide pads for horizontal load bearing. This local optimization extends component service life by ensuring each region handles loads appropriate to its design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances force distribution among components, reduces wear and fatigue, and simplifies assembly and maintenance by avoiding metal-to-metal contact and allowing for easier disassembly of the upper ring parts.
Implementation Method 1
The roller is arranged to carry the vertical downward forces
Implementation Method 2
The first slide pad which is absorbs vertical upward forces
Implementation Method 3
The bearing assembly further comprises a second and a third slide pad, which are each subjected to horizontal forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Annular bearing assembly for in a mast crane, comprising a lower (1101) and an upper (1102) ring. The upper ring comprises a first upper ring part and a second upper ring part. Rollers (1110) are arranged to carry the vertical downward forces, which are envisaged to be the vast majority of the forces exerted on the assembly. The rollers are arranged in a circumferential series in a circumferential series of cages. There is further a first slide pad (1113) which is absorbs vertical upward forces, but these are considerably less than those carried by the roller. The assembly further comprises a second (1111) and a third slide pad (1112), which are subjected to horizontal forces. The arrangement of lower ring and upper ring, with the one cage and three slide pads in transverse cross-sectional view, results in an improved distribution of the forces among the components of the bearing assembly.