Wind Turbine Drivetrain Bolt Bridge Against Bearing Axial Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drivetrain assemblies in wind turbines face challenges in preventing axial displacement of bearing assemblies under large axial loads without incurring high manufacturing costs, particularly when using precision-machined rings or threaded components.
Innovation Solution
An annular arrangement of bolts with axial tapped holes and lock nuts is used to form a load transfer bridge between the bearing unit and other drivetrain components, preventing axial displacement by securely anchoring the bearing unit and transferring axial forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight-fitting ring is placed about the shaft between the bearing assembly and gearbox to prevent axial displacement, then axial displacement is prevented, but it is difficult to mount the ring if its inner diameter is even slightly smaller than intended
Solution Approach 1:
The tight-fitting ring is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then joined together to form the complete ring. This allows the ring to be mounted in a disassembled state where the inner diameter is larger, and then the segments are joined to create the final tight-fitting structure that prevents axial displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented ring structure allows one segment to be nested within or alongside another during assembly, facilitating easier mounting. The segments can be progressively assembled and joined, transforming from a difficult-to-mount solid ring into an easily assembled modular structure.
2Ease of operation
If the rotating shaft is machined to have an outer thread and the ring is machined to have a matching inner thread to enable threading, then the ring is easier to mount, but manufacturing costs are significantly higher
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of machining expensive threaded features on large-diameter shafts and rings, the solution segments the ring structure and uses simpler fastening methods for the segments, avoiding the need for complex high-cost threading operations on major components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive precision-machined threaded rings with simpler, less expensive segmented ring structures that use standard fasteners, effectively substituting costly custom-machined components with more economical alternatives.
3Reliability
If a precision-machined ring is used to prevent axial displacement, then axial displacement is prevented, but manufacturing costs are significantly higher
Solution Approach 1:
The precision-machined ring is replaced by multiple simpler ring segments that can be manufactured more economically and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the use of less expensive manufacturing processes for each segment while achieving the same functional result when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes expensive precision-machined rings with cheaper segmented ring structures that achieve the same axial displacement prevention function through assembly rather than precision machining, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drivetrain assembly including a rotor shaft; a bearing unit mounted about the rotor shaft; and a further drivetrain component connected to an end of the rotor shaft, wherein an annular face of the further drivetrain component is arranged opposite an annular face of the bearing unit with a distance between the annular faces. The drivetrain assembly is characterized by an annular arrangement of tapped holes formed in a first of the two opposing annular faces; a plurality of bolts, wherein each bolt includes a bolt shaft threaded into a tapped hole, a lock nut threaded onto the bolt shaft and tightened against the first annular face; and a bolt head arranged to make contact with the second of the two opposing annular faces. Also provided is a wind turbine including a such a drivetrain assembly; and a method of assembling such a drivetrain.