Axial Floating Bearing Assembly Thermal Deformation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial plain bearing arrangements for drive shafts in supercharging compressors face challenges with high thermal deformation leading to sealing gap issues and increased structural complexity due to separate measures for axial support and sealing, which results in high leakage and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An axial plain bearing arrangement incorporating a mass ring connected to the pressure ring to compensate for thermal deformation, utilizing centrifugal force to maintain a consistent sealing gap and combining the functions of axial support and sealing in a single, cost-effective structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate structural measures are used for axial support and sealing, then the functions of support and sealing can be fulfilled, but the structural complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing ring and bearing ring into a single integrated component called a 'pressure ring' that simultaneously performs both sealing and axial support functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing and bearing structures, reducing assembly steps and structural complexity while maintaining both sealing effectiveness and support capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure ring is designed as a multi-functional component with a sealing surface for sealing and a bearing surface for axial support. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts, reducing the overall device complexity while fulfilling both sealing and support requirements reliably
2Reliability
If the sliding surface for mechanical seal is arranged on the side of the pressure ring facing away from the bearing surface, then sealing can be provided, but thermal deformation leads to deformation of the sliding surface and sealing gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mass ring connected to the pressure ring that generates centrifugal force during rotation. This centrifugal force acts as a counterbalancing force to compensate for thermal deformation of the pressure ring, maintaining the parallelism of the sealing surface and preventing V-shaped sealing gaps that would occur with thermal distortion alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the change in centrifugal force with rotational speed to dynamically compensate for thermal deformation. As rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force from the mass ring increases proportionally, automatically counteracting the increased thermal deformation that occurs at higher speeds and maintaining sealing gap consistency
3Force
If friction between bearing surfaces is high, then axial support can be provided, but very high temperatures occur leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of thermal deformation (the pressure ring bearing surface) from the sealing function by providing the bearing surface on one side and the sealing surface on the other side. This separation allows the bearing to handle axial loads while the sealing surface remains unaffected by the thermal conditions generated at the bearing interface
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 provides a long-lasting, thermally stable axial plain bearing arrangement that effectively supports and seals drive shafts at high speeds with reduced leakage and simplified assembly, minimizing component count and labor-intensive manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The mass of the mass ring generates a balancing force that acts on the pressure ring. In particular, the centrifugal force acting on the mass ring compensates for the thermal deformation of the pressure ring
Implementation Method 2
due to the friction between the bearing surfaces of the pressure ring and the mating ring, very high temperatures can occur, which can lead to deformation of the pressure ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A press ring (4) has a radial slide surface (6) on a face pointing away from the counter-ring (21) for cooperating with a radial slide surface (5) on a non-rotary slide ring (3) in a slide ring seal device. The slide bearing contains a press ring which rotates with a rotary component and a non-rotary counter-ring for securing to a fixed component. The press ring and counter-ring have opposing, essentially radial bearing surfaces (19, 20), between which a friction-reducing film of oil is formed during operation.