Double-Convex Roller Bearing for Wind Turbine Load Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling bearings, particularly in wind turbines, face challenges in managing increasing loads while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, as larger rotor blades generate higher wind forces and tilting moments, requiring improved load capacity without increasing the bearing's cross-sectional size and weight.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates rolling elements with double-convex outer surfaces and a specific curvature, allowing for high axial force absorption and tilting moment handling while minimizing the bearing's size and weight, featuring a nose ring and C-ring configuration with overlapping rows of rolling elements for precise guidance and reduced friction, and an additional radial bearing for transmitting radial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of the rolling elements is increased to make the rolling bearing more stable and handle higher loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the ring cross section and overall weight of the bearing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements feature a double-convex outer surface with specific curvature radii (rq < rmax). This curved geometry allows the rolling elements to handle both axial and radial loads more efficiently than cylindrical rollers, increasing load capacity without requiring larger dimensions. The curvature enables better stress distribution and contact mechanics, resolving the contradiction between load capacity and size/weight.
2Strength
If the ring cross section is increased to handle higher wind forces and tilting moments, then the load capacity is improved, but the weight of the bearing increases, straining the main bearing and preventing smooth startup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the rolling elements, specifically the double-convex shape with controlled curvature radii (rq < rmax) and length-to-diameter ratio (l < 2rmax). These parameter changes enable the rolling elements to withstand higher loads and tilting moments while maintaining a compact cross-section, thus increasing load capacity without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-convex curved surface of the rolling elements optimizes contact mechanics with the raceways, enabling efficient transmission of axial and radial forces. This curvature geometry allows the bearing to handle higher wind forces and tilting moments without requiring a larger cross-section, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Strength
If multiple rows of rolling elements are added to handle both axial and radial loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the axial construction and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements with double-convex outer surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they handle axial loads through their curved contact surfaces, radial loads through their rotational symmetry, and tilting moments through their geometric configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bearing rows for different load directions, reducing axial construction while maintaining comprehensive load capacity.
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 configuration enhances load capacity, reduces friction and vibration, and minimizes the bearing's size and weight, enabling efficient energy use and smooth startup in wind turbines by effectively managing high wind and weight forces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one raceway is arranged in mutually radially overlapping areas of the gap on each of the two connecting elements, on which one or more rows of rolling elements roll
Implementation Method 2
said rolling bodies having a double-convex outer surface with a transverse curvature radius rq in a direction tangential to the rotational symmetry axis z, which corresponds to the respective distance rR of the lateral surface to the rotational symmetry axis z
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a rolling bearing with two annular connecting elements, concentric to each other and spaced apart by a gap, for connection to a first machine or plant part on the one hand and to a second machine or plant part, chassis, or foundation on the other, wherein at least one series of rolling elements is arranged in the gap, which roll between raceways on each of the two connecting elements, wherein the surface of said rolling elements is rotationally symmetrical only with respect to a single, distinguished axis of rotational symmetry, and wherein the rolling elements have a length in the direction of the axis of rotational symmetry and a maximum radius radially to the axis of rotational symmetry, as well as a doubly curved surface, wherein the doubly curved surface of the rolling elements has a longitudinal radius of curvature in a direction parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry, which corresponds to the maximum radius of the rolling element.and where half the length of the rolling element is smaller than the longitudinal radius of curvature of the rolling element.