Bearing Radial Play Measurement Using Load-Based Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining radial play in bearing arrangements, particularly in high load applications like wind turbine transmissions, are cumbersome and pose health and safety risks due to the need for manual gauging and access challenges within tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method involving capturing images of a bearing arrangement before and after applying a radially-directed load to quantify radial play by comparing the relative positions of components, eliminating the need for manual gauging and reducing safety hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual gauging is used to measure radial play, then measurement can be performed, but technician safety is compromised due to exposure to moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a visual copy of the bearing components and their relative positions. Instead of manually placing a gauge, the system captures images of the bearing components at different radial positions and analyzes the image data to determine radial play, eliminating the need for physical contact with moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gauging system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical gauges and manual measurement techniques, the system uses cameras or other imaging devices to capture visual data of the bearing components, then processes this data to calculate radial play measurements
2Measurement precision
If manual access to measurement points is required, then radial play can be measured, but accessibility is reduced due to tight confines of the gearbox
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system creates visual copies of the bearing components from a distance, eliminating the need for the technician to physically access tight spaces within the gearbox. The optical system can capture images through existing openings or inspection ports without requiring manual insertion of measurement tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (camera or imaging device) that mediates between the technician and the bearing components. The imaging device is positioned in a more accessible location and captures images of the bearing components, allowing measurements to be taken without direct physical access to the tight confines of the gearbox
3Measurement precision
If the main rotor is locked to prevent rotation, then measurement can be performed, but slight movements still cause significant rotation of downstream gearbox shafts due to transmission ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system captures visual copies of the bearing components at different moments during the measurement process. By analyzing the positional changes in these image copies rather than relying on physical stability, the system can accurately measure radial play even when slight rotational movements occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple images of the bearing components before and during the application of radial load. By having these preliminary visual records, the system can track and analyze the relative positional changes of bearing components without requiring complete rotational stability of the entire gearbox assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining radial play of a bearing arrangement in a wind turbine component, the bearing arrangement comprising a first component and a second component, which are movable relative to one another in a radial direction. The method comprises: capturing a first image of the bearing arrangement, the first image including the first and second components in a first relative position; applying a radially-directed load to the bearing arrangement to move the first component radially with respect to the second component by a distance that defines the radial play of the bearing arrangement so that the first and second components are in a second relative position; capturing a second image of the bearing arrangement, the second image including the first and second components in the second relative position; and comparing the first and second images to quantify the difference between the first relative position of the first and second components and the second relative position of the first and second components, thereby to determine the radial play in the bearing arrangement.