Wind Turbine Sliding Bearing Pad Replacement With a Manipulation Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for changing slide bearing pads in rotor bearing arrangements, such as those in wind turbines, are cumbersome and difficult due to their size, posing challenges for maintenance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a manipulation arm and a base frame, coupled with a cordless screwdriver, to axially remove and insert new slide bearing pads through a removal opening, allowing for simplified and efficient pad replacement, with optional features like a lifting arm and roller conveyors for stabilization and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to change slide bearing pads, then the bearing pads can be replaced, but the process is cumbersome and difficult due to their size
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad changing process is segmented into distinct operational phases: positioning the pad at the removal opening, releasing axial securing elements, axially removing the old pad, axially inserting the new pad, and fixing it with securing elements. This segmentation simplifies the overall complex task into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
A manipulation arm serves as an intermediary tool between the operator and the bearing pad. The manipulation arm couples with the bearing pad (potentially via a connection element interacting with a form element on the pad) and facilitates the axial removal and insertion operations, making the process easier and safer.
2Reliability
If bearing pads are removed and installed manually, then the task can be completed, but occupational safety is compromised due to the size and weight of the pads
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation arm acts as a mechanical intermediary that handles the heavy bearing pads, eliminating the need for operators to manually lift and position them. This improves occupational safety while maintaining efficient maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation arm is designed to self-position and couple with the bearing pad through predetermined interfaces (connection elements and form elements), reducing the need for complex manual positioning and enhancing both safety and efficiency.
3Productivity
If a manipulation arm is used to handle bearing pads, then safety and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation arm is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: positioning, coupling, axial removal, axial insertion, and potential lifting. This universality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single device rather than requiring separate tools for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation arm is configured to be movable relative to the base frame, allowing it to adapt its position and orientation as needed during the bearing pad changing process. This dynamic capability enables the arm to handle pads at different positions and angles, improving versatility despite increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing slide bearing pads arranged on a rotor shaft of a rotor bearing arrangement of a wind turbine, includes the method steps: moving the slide bearing pad to be changed to a removal opening by rotating the rotor shaft; releasing an axial securing element of the slide bearing pad to be changed; axially removing the slide bearing pad to be changed through the removal opening; axially inserting a new slide bearing pad through the removal opening; and fixing the new slide bearing pad by the axial securing element. A slide bearing pad changing device with a manipulation arm that is movable relative to a base frame is used for axially removing the slide bearing pad to be changed and for axially inserting a new slide bearing pad, wherein the manipulation arm is configured for coupling with the slide bearing pad.