Rolling Bearing Deformation Control to Prevent Ovalization Leaks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Roller bearings supporting drive units, such as rudder propellers and tunnel boring machines, face issues with ovalization and tilting due to high loads, leading to lubricant leakage and water ingress, which results in costly repairs and reduced service life, necessitating the use of heavily constructed bearings.
Innovation Solution
A method involving distance sensors to determine radial deformation between bearing rings, comparing it to a predefined limit value, and reducing motor power through a control unit to prevent excessive loads, thereby minimizing the risk of leakage and allowing for a less massive bearing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavily constructed double four-point bearings or three-row roller bearings are used to withstand high loads, then bearing strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load control by continuously monitoring radial deformation with sensors and adjusting motor power in real-time. This dynamic approach allows a simpler bearing design to operate reliably under varying loads, replacing the need for statically over-engineered heavy-duty bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (motor power, radial deformation limits) based on real-time conditions. By adjusting the load parameters dynamically and setting appropriate deformation thresholds, the bearing operates within safe limits without requiring excessive structural complexity.
2Reliability
If heavily constructed bearings are used to prevent ovalization and leakage, then reliability is improved, but weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring radial deformation and predicting potential ovalization before it occurs. By detecting early signs of excessive deformation and preemptively reducing motor power, the system prevents leakage events before they happen, ensuring reliability without heavy construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously measure radial deformation and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts motor power based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains bearing integrity and prevents leakage dynamically.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If motor power is continuously reduced to prevent ovalization, then bearing life is extended, but productivity and power transmission decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power reduction only when and where needed. Instead of continuously limiting motor power, the control unit reduces power only when radial deformation approaches critical thresholds, allowing the bearing to operate at full capacity during safe conditions while extending life during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically monitors radial deformation and adjusts motor power in periodic cycles. Power is reduced temporarily when deformation thresholds are approached and restored when conditions improve, creating a rhythmic control pattern that balances productivity and bearing life extension.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for limiting the ovalization and/or superimposed tilting of a rolling bearing supporting a drive unit, with at least two bearing rings rotatably arranged relative to each other, enclosing at least one row of rolling elements in a bearing interior and spaced apart from each other by an annular gap, wherein the drive unit is arranged such that radial forces acting on the bearing rings depend on a drive power supplied to the drive unit, comprising the following steps: - Determining a radial deformation of the annular gap between the bearing rings occurring during operation of the drive unit by means of at least two distance sensors (1),- Comparing the determined radial deformation with a predefinable limit value in an evaluation unit (2) and - Reducing the drive power supplied to the drive unit by means of a control unit of the drive unit connected to the distance sensors if the radial deformation exceeds the predefinable limit value (3).