Wind Turbine Bearing Retainer Structure for Large-Bearing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large tapered-roller bearings in the wind power industry is hindered by the need for large retainer shrinkage molds and press machines, which are difficult to use due to the size of the bearings. Additionally, traditional assembly methods risk creating weak points in the retainer and require materials with specific weldability and hardness levels to avoid deformation.
Innovation Solution
A retainer design featuring a first ring, a second ring, and beams connecting them, with pockets for rolling elements and pressure slopes for guiding the rolling elements. The retainer includes recessed surfaces and oil grooves to facilitate smooth operation and lubrication, and can be used in combination with prying and hot installation methods to assemble the bearing without the need for large assembly tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods using large retainer shrinkage molds and press machines are used, then large tapered-roller bearings can be assembled, but it becomes difficult to use such large assembly equipment and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then connected together. This segmentation allows the bearing components to be assembled in a modular fashion without requiring large press machines or shrinkage molds, thereby simplifying the assembly equipment needed while maintaining the ability to assemble large tapered-roller bearings
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing components (rolling elements, inner ring, outer ring) are nested within the segmented retainer structure during assembly. The retainer segments are designed to accommodate and hold these components in place, allowing for compact assembly without requiring oversized equipment
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is cut open for assembly, then assembly equipment requirements are reduced, but weak points are created in the retainer strength
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting the retainer open, the retainer is designed as multiple pre-fabricated segments that connect through specialized joints. This approach maintains the structural integrity and strength of the retainer while still enabling assembly without large equipment, as the segments are designed to join strongly without compromising overall retainer strength
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer segments are designed with composite structural features and material properties that enhance the strength of the connection joints. The segmentation itself is designed with reinforcement features that prevent weak points, allowing the retainer to maintain high strength while being assembleable without large equipment
3Reliability
If the blocking edge height of the bearing inner ring is increased to prevent rolling element drop, then the righting effect is improved, but the bearing inner ring cannot be smoothly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking edge height is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - it can accommodate different heights depending on the assembly stage. During installation, the blocking edge allows smooth passage of components, but once assembled, it provides sufficient height to prevent rolling element drop and maintain the righting effect
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking edge geometry is designed with variable parameters - the height and shape can be optimized for different functions at different stages. The blocking edge may feature a tapered or stepped design that provides low resistance during installation but high retention during operation, thus changing the effective parameters based on the operational phase
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 retainer design allows for efficient assembly of large bearings without the need for large assembly tools, reduces the risk of retainer deformation, and enhances the righting effect on the rolling elements, thereby improving the stability and performance of the bearings.
Implementation Method 1
The side surface of the beam in the circumferential direction includes a first pressure slope and a second pressure slope spaced apart from each other, as well as a recessed surface provided at one or two ends of the pocket, and the recessed surface extends from the first pressure slope towards a longitudinal centerline of the beam and towards a longitudinal end of the beam
Implementation Method 2
The retainer includes recessed surfaces and oil grooves to facilitate smooth operation and lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a retainer and a bearing. The retainer includes a first ring, a second ring and multiple beams connecting the first ring and the second ring. The multiple beams are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the retainer and a pocket for accommodating a rolling element of a bearing is defined between adjacent beams. The side surface of the beam in the circumferential direction includes a first pressure slope and a second pressure slope spaced apart from each other, and a recessed surface provided at one or two ends of the pocket of the retainer and extending from the first pressure slope towards a longitudinal centerline of the beam and towards a longitudinal end of the beam. The retainer facilitates bearing assembling, avoids the use of large instruments during the assembling, and reduces damage to various components of the bearing during the assembling.