Wind Tunnel Blower Bearing Mounting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for dismantling and reassembling rotor bearings of wind tunnel fans within the channel housing are inefficient due to the insufficient load-bearing capacity of the duct housing, requiring the blower to be lifted out of the wind tunnel for maintenance, which is labor-intensive and disrupts operations.
Innovation Solution
A traversing device with longitudinal beams supported by a foundation outside the duct housing, allowing the impeller hub to be moved along these beams in alignment with the rotor axis, distributing the load and preventing tipping, while adjustable components ensure precise alignment and stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotor bearings are mounted using conventional methods, then the bearings can be installed, but the process requires multiple handling operations which increases mounting time and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing mounting process with the rotor assembly process by integrating the bearing into the rotor hub structure. The bearing is pre-mounted on the rotor hub before assembly, eliminating separate handling operations and reducing mounting time while minimizing damage risk through a single integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing is pre-installed on the rotor hub in advance before the final rotor assembly. This preliminary mounting action allows the bearing to be positioned and secured beforehand, reducing the number of subsequent handling operations required during final assembly and improving overall mounting efficiency.
2Ease of repair
If rotor bearings are disassembled frequently for maintenance, then inspection can be performed, but repeated handling increases the risk of damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is designed with separable components that allow the bearing to be accessed and inspected without complete disassembly. The bearing is mounted on the rotor hub which can be independently accessed, enabling inspection and maintenance while minimizing the need to handle and disassemble the entire rotor assembly, thereby reducing damage risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mounting methods are used, then standard procedures can be followed, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple handling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing mounting operation is merged with the rotor hub assembly process. The bearing is installed as an integrated part of the rotor hub manufacturing or pre-assembly process, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing total manufacturing time while maintaining procedural simplicity.
4Productivity
If bearings are handled multiple times during mounting and disassembly, then installation can be completed, but the frequency of handling increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is pre-mounted and sealed on the rotor hub before final assembly, reducing the number of times it needs to be handled. This preliminary installation minimizes exposure to contamination sources during subsequent operations while still allowing complete installation to be achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub acts as an intermediary structure that holds and protects the bearing during assembly and operation. The bearing is mounted on the hub which serves as a protective carrier, reducing direct handling of the bearing itself and minimizing contamination risk while enabling installation completion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (50) for mounting/remounting rotor bearings of a blower (14) of a wind tunnel (10) on site at the location of the blower (14) inside a tunnel housing (16) of the wind tunnel (10), the blower (14) having a rotor shaft (32) and an impeller hub (24). The device has a moving device (52) for the impeller hub (24), wherein the moving device (52) has: at least one longitudinal beam (56) for horizontal arrangement inside the tunnel housing (16) in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel housing (16) and for holding the impeller hub (24) movably along the longitudinal beam (56) in alignment with the rotor shaft (32); and at least one supporting frame (66) for supporting the at least one longitudinal beam (56) on a base (34) outside the tunnel housing (16), wherein the supporting frame (66) is designed to extend from the at least one longitudinal beam (56) through at least one opening (68) in a wall of the tunnel housing (16) into an exterior of the tunnel housing (16) in order to be supported on the base (34) outside the tunnel housing (16), and wherein the longitudinal beam (56) is assigned at least one running member (62) which can be fastened to the impeller hub (24) on one side and can be moved on the longitudinal beam (56) in the longitudinal direction thereof on the other side. The invention also relates to a corresponding mounting/remounting method.