Bearing Sleeve Puller for Turbomachine Inner Race Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing assemblies in turbomachines require specialized tools for installation and disassembly, and in some configurations, there is insufficient access to reach the race surfaces for applying removal forces, leading to inefficiencies and design complexities.
Innovation Solution
A bearing assembly with a bearing sleeve featuring a puller feature, such as a sleeve flange, that allows for the application of both installation and removal forces at the same axial end, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without the need for specialized tools and accommodating various shaft diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized removal tool is used to reach the second race surface, then the removal force can be applied to disassemble the bearing, but the tool complexity increases and in some configurations access is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying removal force to the second race surface at the opposite end of the inner race, the invention inverts the approach by applying the removal force to the first race surface at the same end where the inner race is installed. This is achieved by pressing the inner race against a stop member, thereby inverting the traditional removal direction and eliminating the need for specialized tools to reach the opposite surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the need for specialized removal tools by introducing a stop member that works with the inner race's first race surface. The stop member is positioned to engage with the inner race when removal force is applied, allowing disassembly without requiring access to the second race surface or specialized elongated tools.
2Reliability
If different removal tools are designed for each bearing assembly, then proper removal force can be applied, but the manufacturing and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal removal mechanism that works across different bearing assemblies. By using a stop member that engages with the inner race's first race surface and applying removal force in the inverted direction, the same basic removal tool can be used for various bearing configurations, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each bearing type.
3Strength
If the bearing inner race is press fit onto the shaft, then secure mechanical support is achieved, but the installation and removal process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional installation and removal approach. Instead of pushing the inner race from the opposite end (second race surface), removal force is applied to the first race surface at the installation end, pressing the inner race against a stop member. This inverted approach maintains the secure press fit connection while simplifying the removal process.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A bearing assembly for a turbomachine includes a bearing inner race (66), a bearing outer race (64) located radially outwardly from the bearing inner race (66), and one or more bearing elements (68) located radially between the bearing inner race (66) and the bearing outer race (64). A bearing sleeve (72) is positioned radially inboard of the bearing inner race (66) and is configured for engagement with a rotating component (40). The bearing sleeve (72) includes a sleeve body (82) located radially between the bearing inner race (66) and the rotating component (40), and a puller feature (84) extending from the sleeve body (82) at a first axial end (86) of the bearing sleeve (72). The puller feature (84) is configured for application of a removal force thereto to remove the bearing assembly from an installed position in the turbomachine.