Motor Bearing Switching Control for Gas Lubrication Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor bearing systems face inefficiencies due to increased fluid friction and resistance in high-speed operations when using gas-lubricated slide bearings, which worsen electric efficiency, and the reliance on pumps for forming a gas layer complicates this further, making it difficult to ensure reliable operation across varying speeds.
Innovation Solution
A motor bearing system that includes a rolling bearing and a gas-lubricated slide bearing, controlled by a detector and controller to switch between states based on rotation speed, using a pump only when necessary to maintain efficient gas lubrication, thereby optimizing electric efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a gas-lubricated slide bearing is applied in the high-speed range of the motor, then friction is reduced, but fluid friction and resistance of the lubricating gas increase, which worsens electric efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the lubrication parameter from liquid (oil) to gas (air), exploiting the lower viscosity of gas to reduce friction loss while minimizing the adverse effect of gas resistance on electric efficiency. This parameter change allows the bearing to operate more efficiently across a broader speed range.
2Reliability
If a pump is used to apply static pressure to form a gas layer in the low-speed range, then the gas-lubricated bearing can function, but electricity consumption by the pump worsens electric efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure itself generates the necessary gas layer through its geometric design (wedge-shaped clearance) and the motor's own rotation, eliminating the need for an external pump. The system uses its own operational characteristics (rotation speed, gas supply) to create the lubricating film, achieving self-lubrication without additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by supplying gas (air) to the bearing clearance and relying on the wedge effect to generate sufficient pressure for lubrication. This approach replaces mechanical pumping with a simpler gas supply system that leverages the motor's rotation to distribute the gas effectively.
3Loss of energy
If the wedge effect and restriction effect are used to form a gas layer, then gas lubrication can be achieved, but these effects can only be exerted in the high-speed range, causing contact between bearing and rotary shaft in the low-speed range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that transitions between rolling bearing and slide bearing modes based on rotation speed. At low speeds, the rolling bearing provides reliable support; at high speeds, the slide bearing with gas lubrication takes over. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal performance and reliability across the entire operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing system is segmented into two distinct components: a rolling bearing for low-speed operation and a slide bearing for high-speed operation. Each component is optimized for its specific speed range, and they work in sequence rather than simultaneously, allowing the system to exploit the advantages of each bearing type without compromise.
4Reliability
If a rolling bearing is used at low speed, then it functions reliably, but it has a finite life due to rolling contact fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rolling contact mechanism with a sliding contact mechanism in the high-speed range. The slide bearing with gas lubrication eliminates the rolling contact fatigue that limits the life of rolling bearings, providing infinite life potential under appropriate lubrication conditions while maintaining reliability.
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 system precisely controls the bearing operation based on motor speed, minimizing electricity consumption and reducing friction, ensuring reliable operation and improved electric efficiency across different speed ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a slide bearing that is arranged in parallel with the rolling bearing on an axis of the rotary shaft to support the rotary shaft, the slide bearing being operable as a gas-lubricated bearing that achieves gaseous lubrication with gas supplied to the slide bearing
Implementation Method 2
a so-called wedge effect and a so-called restriction effect are preferably used to form this gas layer
Implementation Method 3
a so-called wedge effect and a so-called restriction effect are preferably used to form this gas layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
[Problem] To precisely execute control related to a bearing according to a motor rotation speed in a motor bearing system that has the bearing operable as a gas-lubricated bearing by a pump. [Solution] A motor bearing system 100 has: a slide bearing 3 operable as a gas-lubricated bearing by gas supplied from a pump 30; a rolling bearing 4; a switching mechanism 20 switching between the slide bearing and the rolling bearing; and a controller 50. When a motor rotation speed is lower than a first speed, the controller controls the switching mechanism to apply the rolling bearing. When the motor rotation speed is equal to or higher than the first speed and lower than a second speed, the controller controls the switching mechanism to apply the slide bearing and controls the pump to operate the slide bearing as a gas-lubricated bearing. When the motor rotation speed is equal to or higher than the second speed, the controller controls the switching mechanism to apply the slide bearing and stops the pump.