Electric Submersible Motor Thrust Bearing Lock Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric submersible motor thrust bearing systems suffer from axial movement and loss of the motor shaft due to bolts securing the lock ring to the thrust runner backing out and shearing, leading to complete motor failure.
Innovation Solution
An improved electric submersible motor thrust bearing system is designed with a split ring secured around the motor shaft, a rotatable thrust runner coupled to the split ring, and a lock ring secured to the thrust runner via a threaded connection or snap ring, preventing radial expansion and axial movement of the split ring, thus securing the motor shaft in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts are used to secure the lock ring to the thrust runner, then the lock ring can be attached to the thrust runner, but the bolts back out and shear during operation, causing the split ring to expand radially and move axially along the motor shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bolted mechanical connection with a interference-fit press connection between the lock ring and thrust runner. The lock ring is pressed onto the thrust runner with an interference fit that prevents relative motion and eliminates the need for bolts, thereby resolving the issue of bolts backing out and shearing during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different connection methods to different components: the lock ring uses an interference-fit press connection to the thrust runner, while the thrust bearing assembly uses a snap ring secured by ribs. This localized application of appropriate connection qualities ensures reliable attachment without the failures associated with bolted connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lock ring is bolted to the thrust runner, then the split ring is held in place, but the bolts fail during operation allowing the split ring to expand radially out of the shaft groove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bolted mechanical connection with an interference-fit press connection. The lock ring is pressed onto the thrust runner with sufficient interference to prevent relative motion, providing both axial positioning stability and inherent strength without requiring separate fasteners that can fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking function and the structural component into a single integrated lock ring assembly. The lock ring directly contacts and secures the thrust bearing assembly through the interference-fit connection, eliminating the need for separate bolts and lock nuts, thereby combining multiple functions into one reliable component.
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
The solution effectively prevents axial movement and loss of the motor shaft, enhancing the reliability and stability of the electric submersible motor by eliminating the issue of bolts backing out and shearing, thereby reducing the risk of motor failure.
Implementation Method 1
a lock ring secured to the thrust runner by a threaded connection, at least a portion of the lock ring above the split ring and at least a portion of the thrust runner below the split ring, and the threaded connection securing the split ring axially between the lock ring and the thrust runner
Implementation Method 2
the rotatable thrust runner serving as a barrier to radial expansion of the split ring
Implementation Method 3
a base of the rotatable thrust runner is keyed to the shaft below the split ring such that the thrust runner rotates with the shaft
Implementation Method 4
The thrust bearing holds the weight of the motor's rotor and shaft hanging below the motor head
Data Source
AI summary
An electric submersible motor thrust bearing system is described. An electric submersible motor thrust bearing system includes a thrust bearing assembly carrying a thrust of an electric submersible motor, the thrust bearing assembly including a split ring secured around a shaft of the electric submersible motor inward of a rotatable thrust runner, the rotatable thrust runner coupled around an outer diameter of the split ring and mated above a non-rotatable thrust bearing, the rotatable thrust runner serving as a barrier to radial expansion of the split ring, a lock ring secured to the thrust runner by a threaded connection, at least a portion of the lock ring above the split ring and at least a portion of the thrust runner below the split ring, and the threaded connection securing the split ring axially between the lock ring and the thrust runner.