Profiled Sliding Segment for Uniform Main Rotor Bearing Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing main rotor bearing designs in wind turbines are limited in compensating for deformations caused by hydrodynamic pressure between the sliding surface of the shaft and the bearing segments, leading to premature wear and edge supports.
Innovation Solution
A sliding segment with a profiled sliding surface, made of fiber-reinforced polyether-ether-ketone, is connected to the bearing housing via a support structure, featuring a convexly curved profiling in the direction of the shaft axis, which creates a gap filled with lubricant to reduce deformation and pressure imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat sliding surface is used in the sliding segment, then the manufacturing is simple, but the hydrodynamic pressure causes deformation and uneven pressure distribution leading to edge wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is given a convex curvature in the axial direction, transforming the flat surface into a profiled surface. This curvature allows the sliding segment to better accommodate the deformation caused by hydrodynamic pressure, distributing the pressure more evenly across the contact area and preventing edge wear, thereby improving bearing durability without significantly complicating manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding segment is designed with different geometries in different regions: the sliding surface has a specific convex curvature to handle pressure distribution, while other parts maintain standard geometries. This localized modification optimizes the pressure distribution exactly where needed (at the sliding interface) without unnecessarily complicating the entire component
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sliding segment is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the stability is improved, but the deformation caused by hydrodynamic pressure cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding segment is designed with a degree of flexibility through its support structure, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position and orientation in response to hydrodynamic pressure variations. This dynamic capability enables the segment to compensate for deformations while maintaining overall structural stability, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across the sliding surface
3Force
If the gap between shaft and sliding segment is reduced to improve contact, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the deformation and pressure imbalance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curvature of the sliding surface creates an optimal gap profile that maintains adequate lubricant film thickness while ensuring uniform pressure distribution. The curved geometry allows the gap to vary appropriately across the contact area, preventing both excessive clearance and localized pressure concentrations, thereby balancing load bearing capacity with pressure distribution uniformity
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 profiled sliding surface distributes pressure more evenly, preventing deformation and wear by maintaining a consistent lubrication gap width, thus enhancing the durability and performance of the sliding bearing.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrodynamic pressure between the sliding surface of the shaft and the bearing segments also causes deformation in the contact surface of the shaft and the segment
Implementation Method 2
a gap filled with lubricant to reduce deformation and pressure imbalances
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved sliding segment with a profiled sliding surface and a corresponding radial sliding bearing, as well as their applications in main rotor bearings and wind turbines.