Magnetic Thrust Bearing Assembly for Axial Thrust Damping
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust bearings in fluid pumps, particularly at low and high rotational speeds, fail to adequately balance and dampen axial thrusts, leading to oscillations and potential damage due to unbalanced axial loads, and are inefficient in managing fluid pressure dynamics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic magnetic thrust bearing systems that adjust fluid pressures on thrust discs to counteract forward and aft thrusts, using lubrication flowlines and magnetic assemblies to stabilize the impeller shaft, reducing axial movement and oscillations, and minimizing frictional losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thrust bearings are used to support axial loads, then the pump can operate, but axial thrusts are not adequately balanced and dampened, leading to oscillations and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic thrust bearing system where a movable thrust disc responds to varying axial thrust conditions. The thrust disc can shift position along the shaft to accommodate changes in thrust magnitude and direction, allowing the bearing to dynamically adapt to operating conditions rather than relying on fixed geometry. This dynamic adjustment enables adequate balancing and dampening of axial thrusts across varying pump speeds and loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the thrust bearing components, specifically providing different radii of curvature for the thrust disc and thrust pad surfaces. By optimizing these curvature radii, the bearing creates appropriate fluid film pressure distributions that enhance thrust balancing and oscillation dampening capabilities, resolving the issue of inadequate axial thrust control.
2Productivity
If conventional thrust bearings are used, then the structure is simple, but they are inefficient in managing fluid pressure dynamics and cannot adequately counteract thrust variations
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thrust disc creates a dynamic fluid film bearing system that actively manages fluid pressure dynamics. As the thrust disc moves in response to axial thrust variations, it modulates the fluid film thickness and pressure distribution, enabling efficient counteraction of thrust variations. This dynamic fluid pressure management improves productivity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional thrust bearings are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but they cause frictional losses and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact thrust bearings with a fluid film magnetic thrust bearing system. The thrust disc and thrust pad are separated by a lubricating fluid film, eliminating direct metal-to-metal contact and associated frictional losses. Magnetic assemblies provide additional non-contact support, further reducing friction. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture while dramatically reducing frictional energy losses and maintenance requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry thrust bearings are used, then the design is simple, but they cannot adapt to varying operational speeds and thrust conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thrust disc creates inherent adaptability to varying operational conditions. As pump speed and thrust conditions change, the thrust disc naturally shifts position to maintain optimal fluid film characteristics. This dynamic geometry allows the bearing to adapt to low and high rotational speeds as well as varying thrust magnitudes without requiring complex active control systems, balancing adaptability with design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters including the radii of curvature of the thrust disc and thrust pad surfaces. These parameter choices enable the bearing to maintain stable fluid film operation across a wide range of speeds and loads. By carefully selecting these geometric parameters, the bearing achieves high adaptability while avoiding excessive design complexity.
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 magnetic thrust bearing systems effectively reduce axial movement and oscillations, enhance operational efficiency, and extend maintenance intervals by minimizing contact and frictional energy losses, thereby improving the reliability and longevity of the pump components.
Implementation Method 1
dynamic magnetic thrust bearing systems that adjust fluid pressures on thrust discs to counteract forward and aft thrusts, using lubrication flowlines and magnetic assemblies to stabilize the impeller shaft
Implementation Method 2
using lubrication flowlines and magnetic assemblies to stabilize the impeller shaft, reducing axial movement and oscillations, and minimizing frictional losses
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic thrust bearing systems are disclosed. Examples disclosed herein include a thrust bearing system comprising a thrust disc protruding radially outward from a shaft, the thrust disc including a first magnet, the first magnet including a first pole at a forward side of the thrust disc and a second pole at an aft side, a first thrust pad positioned on the forward side, the first thrust pad including a second magnet adjacent to a first surface of the first thrust pad, the first surface facing the thrust disc, the second magnet including a third pole, the third and first pole having the same polarity, and a second thrust pad including a third magnet adjacent to a second surface of the second thrust pad, the second surface facing the thrust disc, the third magnet including a fourth pole, the fourth and second pole having the same polarity.