Modular Tilting-Pad Bearing for Lower Pivot Wear and Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrodynamic bearings face challenges in maintaining stability and reducing power losses due to dynamic loads, which affect their performance and lead to increased maintenance costs and potential degradation from pivot wear and contact stresses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydrodynamic bearing system with modular pad modules featuring an I-beam shaped web portion and root portion, coupled to a bearing housing with axial grooves and fasteners, allowing for tilting motion and inhibiting radial separation, along with integral lubrication devices for efficient lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydrodynamic bearings use fixed pads with pivot connections, then the bearing can support dynamic loads, but the pivot wear and contact stresses increase leading to degradation and higher maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing pad is divided into modular segments that can be independently replaced. The first pad segment includes a pad body with a first pivot connection, while the second pad segment includes a pad body with a second pivot connection. This segmentation allows individual segments to be replaced without replacing the entire bearing assembly, reducing maintenance costs and complexity while maintaining reliability under dynamic loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing operates under dynamic loads, then it can adapt to varying operational conditions, but power losses increase and thermal distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing incorporates movable elements including the first and second pad segments that can independently pivot and adjust their positions. The first pad segment can pivot relative to the bearing housing, and the second pad segment can pivot relative to the first pad segment. This dynamic capability allows the bearing to adapt to varying operational conditions and dynamic loads while reducing power losses through optimized load distribution and minimized friction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bearing uses complex pivot connections for stability, then it can maintain position under load, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into modular components including the bearing housing, first pad segment, and second pad segment, each with simplified pivot connections. The first pad segment pivots on a first pivot connection to the bearing housing, and the second pad segment pivots on a second pivot connection to the first pad segment. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining stability under load through the coordinated motion of discrete, manageable components.
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 maintainability, reduces pivot wear and power losses, and improves dynamic performance by allowing for easier replacement of components and reduced thermal distortion, thereby improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the bearing system.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lubrication devices configured to supply lubricant to at least one of the one or more pad modules
Implementation Method 2
Hydrodynamic radial bearings are often constructed with pads supported for pivotal motion about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft being supported. The pivoting occurs during rotation, as the fluid pressure builds at the bearing surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodynamic bearing for supporting a shaft includes a bearing housing and one or more pad modules. The bearing housing defines an inner surface and one or more axial grooves adjoining the inner surface. Each of at least one of the one or more pad modules includes a pad body, a root portion configured to couple in one of the axial grooves of the bearing housing, and a web portion connecting the pad body and the root portion.