Wind Turbine Bearing Spacer Assembly for Precise Preload Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing arrangements in wind turbines face challenges with indirect preload adjustment methods that are uncertain and difficult to measure accurately, leading to manufacturing inconsistencies and assembly uncertainties, particularly in drive trains.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement with spacer elements composed of circumferentially opposed arc pieces and a radial oil supply channel, allowing for precise adjustment of preload by measuring axial play during assembly, and incorporating features like locking elements and multi-part spacer designs to prevent rotation and ensure dimensional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If indirect adjustment methods are used for bearing preload, then assembly process is simplified, but measurement precision and reliability of preload specification deteriorate due to high uncertainties and inability to directly measure axial preloads
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic indicator tool is introduced as an intermediary between the bearing arrangement and measurement system. This tool contains magnetic particles that align with magnetic field lines generated by a portable magnet, providing direct visual indication of axial preload without requiring complex indirect measurement methods. The magnetic particles serve as a mediator that translates internal bearing preload into externally observable patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with a magnetic field-based measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical gauges or indirect calculation methods, a portable magnet generates magnetic field lines that interact with magnetic particles in the indicator tool, substituting mechanical contact and measurement with non-contact magnetic field interaction for more precise and reliable preload assessment.
2Manufacturing precision
If calculated axial width dimensions of spacer rings are manufactured with high precision, then bearing preload specification is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to large number of measurements required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and calculation processes with a magnetic field-based indication system. Instead of requiring multiple precise measurements of spacer dimensions and complex calculations to determine preload, the magnetic indicator tool provides direct visual feedback through aligned magnetic particles, significantly simplifying the measurement process while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic indicator tool utilizes visual changes in the arrangement and alignment of magnetic particles to indicate preload status. The particles align along magnetic field lines to create visible patterns that directly indicate the magnitude and uniformity of axial preload, providing intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex measurement instruments or data interpretation.
3Productivity
If bearing arrangements are designed for quick assembly, then productivity is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates due to inability to directly measure and adjust axial preloads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming indirect measurement and calculation methods with a rapid magnetic field-based indication system. The portable magnet can be quickly applied to the assembled bearing arrangement, and the magnetic particles immediately align to show preload status, enabling fast verification and adjustment without sacrificing precision. This allows assembly workers to quickly assess and correct preload issues on the assembly line.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic indicator tool is designed as a portable, self-contained device that assembly workers can independently use without requiring specialized measurement equipment or expert knowledge. The tool self-calibrates through the magnetic field generation and automatically provides visual feedback through particle alignment, enabling assembly personnel to perform precision preload verification and adjustment as part of their standard quick assembly process.
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
Enables precise, quick, and cost-effective assembly of bearing arrangements with measurable preload, minimizing manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing arrangement (10) and a method for measuring a bearing preload using a magnetic indicator tool. A portable magnet is used for generating magnetic field lines in a bearing arrangement (10).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing assembly (10) comprising two rolling bearings (20, 30), a first spacer element (40) between the inner rings (22, 32) of the rolling bearings (20, 30), and a second spacer element (42) between the outer rings (24, 34) of the rolling bearings (20, 30), for adjusting a bearing preload, wherein the second spacer element (42) is circumferentially comprised of multiple parts. In an assembly method, in the final assembly stage, in relation to the preliminary assembly stage, the second spacer element (42) is introduced with a corrected axial width. The final axial width of the second spacer element (42) depends on just a few tolerance-related dimensions because the preliminary assembly stage obviates the need to consider the tolerance range of a number of component dimensions.