Integrated Touchdown Magnetic Bearing for Space-Saving Rotor Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic bearings face challenges in saving installation space and improving efficiency due to the need for separate safety devices and high energy requirements, which often lead to the use of less efficient roller or plain bearings despite their superior performance in wear, noise, and rotation speed.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a backup bearing into the outer and inner rings of the magnetic bearing, allowing it to support the rotor in both axial and radial directions, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and optimizing space usage, with electromagnets and a shielding device made from materials like aluminum or ceramic to control and decouple magnetic fields effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate safety devices are arranged between the outer ring and inner ring to catch the rotor in axial and radial directions, then the reliability is improved, but the installation space is increased and device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety bearing functions for both axial and radial directions into a single integrated component structure. The outer ring and inner ring are designed with integrated safety bearing elements that provide both axial and radial support functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated safety bearing structure serves multiple functions: it provides axial support, radial support, and rotor catching capability within a single component arrangement. The outer ring and inner ring are designed to perform both magnetic bearing functions and safety bearing functions, achieving multi-functionality that reduces the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If separate safety devices are arranged between the outer ring and inner ring to catch the rotor in axial and radial directions, then the reliability is improved, but the installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the axial and radial safety bearing functions into a single integrated component arrangement between the outer ring and inner ring. This consolidation allows both safety functions to be provided within the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to separate safety devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety bearing components are nested within the existing magnetic bearing structure, with the inner ring and outer ring arranged concentrically. The safety bearing elements are positioned within the radial and axial gaps already present in the magnetic bearing design, utilizing existing space efficiently without requiring additional installation volume.
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 design enhances the efficiency and space-saving capabilities of magnetic bearings, allowing for higher rotation speeds and reduced energy consumption while maintaining effective interception and control of the rotor, even in power failures, by integrating the backup bearing within the magnetic bearing structure.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring and outer ring are guided contactlessly in the axial and/or radial direction by the magnetic field of electromagnets
Implementation Method 2
the backup bearing can catch the inner ring or outer ring along the axial and radial directions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic bearing, which has an inner ring and an outer ring arranged concentric to the inner ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are supported rotatably in relation to each other by means of axial and radial magnets, characterized in that the magnetic bearing has a back-up bearing, which is integrated into the outer ring and/or the inner ring both in an axial direction and in a radial direction.