Disc-Stack Tilting Bearing Member for Spindle Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal separators face issues with spindle tilting during operation, leading to premature wear of bearings due to unbalanced forces, which existing designs fail to adequately address, especially when the spindle approaches critical rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a tilting member comprising a pack of annular disks that allows the bearing housing to tilt relative to the central axis, reducing torsional forces on the bearings and distributing them radially outward, thereby reducing wear and enabling low-force operation even when the spindle is tilted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are used to support the neck bearing and permit radial movements, then the spindle can accommodate small radial movements during operation, but the spindle becomes slightly tilted when moved radially from the geometric center axis, causing forces to rotate the inner and outer bearing rings around a transversal axis and leading to premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
A tilting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the bearing housing and the stationary frame. This tilting member permits the bearing housing to tilt in relation to its central axis, thereby accommodating spindle tilt without transmitting harmful rotational forces to the bearing rings, resolving the contradiction between radial movement capability and bearing wear resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housing is designed with dynamic tilting capability through the tilting member, allowing it to adapt its orientation according to the spindle's position and tilt. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain proper bearing alignment even when the spindle moves radially or tilts, preventing premature wear while preserving radial movement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If spherical bearings are used to support a rotating shaft that must move both rotationally and at a small angle, then the shaft can be supported under tilting conditions, but the bearing system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting functionality is segmented from the bearing itself and implemented through a separate tilting member comprising a pack of annular disks. This segmentation allows the use of simple cylindrical bearings while achieving tilting support capability through the disk pack's flexible structure, avoiding the complexity and cost of spherical bearings
Solution Approach 2:
The pack of annular disks is designed with specific geometric parameters (number of disks, disk thickness, material properties) that provide the necessary flexibility and tilting capability. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves tilting support functionality without requiring complex spherical bearing geometry
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
This solution effectively reduces relative rotating movements between bearing rings and allows the bearings to operate under low-force conditions, extending their lifespan and maintaining separation efficiency by distributing forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the upper bearing housing is mounted to the stationary frame via the elastic member and an upper tilting member
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing member for supporting a rotatable axle includes a bearing housing; at least one bearing inserted into the bearing housing, wherein the bearing is configured to receive a rotatable shaft extending through the bearing; and a tilting member arranged around the bearing housing. The tilting member includes a pack of annular discs forming a through hole for receiving the bearing housing, wherein each of the annular discs includes a plurality of apertures extending through each of the discs and wherein the tilting member further includes a sleeve element provided in each of the apertures for holding the annular discs together as a stack and for receiving a fastener for attaching the tilting member to the bearing housing or said stationary machine element. The bearing member further includes at least one fastening element extending through a sleeve of the tilting member and attaching the tilting member to the bearing housing.