Drawworks Three-Point Bearing Eliminates Flexible Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawworks systems face issues with frame distortions due to subsidence and temperature changes, leading to increased wear and potential damage, as they require precise alignment and the use of flexible couplings to compensate for these distortions, which increase manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
A 'three-point bearing' system is implemented, where the winding shaft is supported by three bearing points, allowing for axial fixation and pivotability, eliminating the need for flexible couplings and enabling the frame to deform without causing stress on the winding shaft, thus simplifying alignment and reducing the frame's stability requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings are used to compensate for frame distortions, then the drawworks can tolerate frame deformations, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the flexible coupling from the system entirely. Instead of using a coupling between the drive shaft and winding shaft to accommodate frame distortions, the patent designs the bearing device to directly absorb these distortions through its three-point bearing geometry, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing device is designed with dynamic capability to accommodate frame distortions. The three-point bearing arrangement allows the winding shaft to pivot and adjust its position dynamically in response to frame deformations, subsidence, or thermal expansions without requiring additional flexible coupling components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings are used to accommodate frame distortions, then certain deformations can be compensated, but the frame must be precisely aligned and the couplings increase weight
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the flexible coupling component entirely, removing its weight from the system. The bearing device itself is designed to provide the necessary accommodation for frame distortions through its geometric configuration, specifically the three-point bearing arrangement that allows pivotal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the bearing arrangement to enable distortion accommodation. By positioning the bearing points in a specific three-point configuration, the system gains the ability to pivot and absorb frame deformations without additional components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is designed to be distortion-resistant, then alignment stability is improved, but the frame weight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the frame rigid and distortion-resistant, the invention makes the bearing device dynamic and adaptable. The three-point bearing arrangement allows the winding shaft to pivot and adjust its position in response to frame distortions, subsidence, or thermal expansions, eliminating the need for an overly rigid frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of frame distortions into a beneficial feature by designing the bearing device to actively accommodate these distortions. Rather than fighting against frame deformations with a rigid structure, the system uses the three-point bearing geometry to pivot and adjust, turning the problem of frame instability into a solution that tolerates and adapts to these changes.
4Reliability
If precise alignment is required for all shafts, then operational reliability is improved, but the ease of installation and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing device is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through its three-point bearing arrangement. This allows the winding shaft to pivot and self-align during installation and operation, accommodating frame distortions and subsidence without requiring precise pre-alignment of all shafts, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawworks for a drilling device for lowering and hoisting a load such as a drill string or parts thereof includes a frame comprising a first bearing point, a second bearing point, and a third bearing point, a winding drum, and a first bearing device connected to the frame for the winding drum. The first bearing device is arranged so that a center of respective bearing forces is located at each of the first bearing point, at the second bearing point, and at the third bearing point.