Magnetic Thrust Bearing Preload for Variable Axial Loads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Thrust bearings in rotating machines experience premature wear and potential failure due to varying axial loads and cross-over conditions, leading to undesired vibrations, as ball bearings centrifuge and skid under changing load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic apparatus generates a magnetic field to exert an axial force on the ball bearings in the direction of the axial thrust, maintaining pre-loading and preventing slippage by synchronizing the force with the rotor's operational direction, thereby stabilizing the thrust bearing under varying loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional thrust bearing is used to support axial thrust from the rotor, then the axial position of the rotor is held during rotation, but the ball bearings experience premature wear and potential failure due to varying axial loads and cross-over conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust bearing durabilityVSAvoidball bearing service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic apparatus applies a preliminary axial force to the ball bearings in the direction of the axial thrust before the varying loads occur. This pre-loading ensures that the ball bearings remain engaged with the races and do not experience cross-over conditions or slippage, even when the rotor axial thrust varies or reverses direction, thereby preventing premature wear and extending service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces part of the mechanical load-carrying system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic apparatus generates a magnetic field that exerts an axial force on the ball bearings, substituting for the mechanical pre-loading that would otherwise be required to maintain bearing engagement under varying thrust conditions. This magnetic assistance reduces the mechanical stress cycles on the ball bearings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axial thrust on the thrust bearing varies with rotor loading, then the thrust bearing can accommodate different operating conditions, but the ball bearings centrifuge and skid under changing load conditions causing undesired vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust bearing adaptability to varying loadsVSAvoidvibrations from ball bearing slippage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic apparatus acts as an intermediary force between the varying axial thrust and the ball bearings. By applying a consistent magnetic force in the direction of the axial thrust, it mediates the interaction between the rotor load variations and the ball bearing contact, preventing the ball bearings from centrifuging or skidding while still allowing the thrust bearing to adapt to different loading conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic apparatus applies a preliminary force in the direction of the axial thrust that counteracts the tendency of the ball bearings to slip or centrifuge under varying loads. This anti-action occurs continuously to prevent the harmful slippage and vibrations before they can occur during load transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 apparatus effectively mitigates the impact of varying axial forces, reducing wear and vibrations by maintaining a consistent tractive force on the ball bearings, even during reduced or no-load conditions, thus enhancing the durability and stability of the thrust bearing.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic component affixed to the rotating machine, wherein the magnetic component is configured to generate a magnetic field causing the first race to exert an axial force on the ball bearings in the direction of the axial thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11835088B2Thrust bearing for a rotating machine

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A rotating machine including a thrust bearing configured to receive an axial thrust exerted by a rotor. The thrust bearing may be configured to transfer the axial thrust from the rotor to a housing or other structural component of the rotating machine using a plurality of ball bearings. The rotating machine includes a magnetic apparatus configured to cause the rotating machine to exert an axial force on the thrust bearing in the direction of the axial thrust of the rotor, such that the magnetic apparatus loads the ball bearings in the direction of the axial thrust. The magnetic apparatus may be configured to generate a magnetic field causing a first magnetic component of the magnetic apparatus to repel or attract a second magnetic component of the apparatus. The first magnetic component may be configured to rotate relative to the second magnetic component.