Roller Seating Ring for Split Tapered Bearing Preload Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine drive train configurations require complex disassembly for maintenance and bearing replacement, particularly when transitioning from spherical roller bearings to split tapered roller bearings, which complicates the process and can lead to improper positioning and orientation of rolling elements during preloading.
Innovation Solution
An assembly tool and method that includes a roller seating actuator and a roller seating ring, coupled with a clamping plate and adjustable clamping member, to properly position and preload the rolling elements of a split tapered roller bearing assembly, ensuring accurate engagement with the bearing race and maintaining alignment during installation and preloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bearing replacement methods are used, then bearing replacement can be performed, but the process requires complex disassembly and improper positioning of rolling elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is divided into separable components including the bearing assembly itself and the modular seating device. The seating device can be detached after installation, allowing the bearing to be replaced without permanently complex fixtures attached to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller seating device acts as an intermediary tool between the installer and the rolling elements. It provides the necessary positioning and pressing function temporarily during installation, then can be removed, simplifying the overall replacement process.
2Productivity
If conventional bearing installation methods are used, then bearing installation can be completed, but rolling elements may be improperly positioned and oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The seating device performs preliminary positioning of the rolling elements against the rib before the bearing is fully installed and preloaded. This preliminary action ensures correct orientation and position is established early in the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual positioning methods with a mechanical pressing system that uses the seating ring and actuator to automatically position rolling elements against the rib through controlled axial force, ensuring consistent precision.
3Ease of operation
If rolling elements are not properly pressed against the rib, then installation is simpler, but bearing performance and life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seating device is self-actuating through the biasing member that automatically applies the necessary pressing force to position rolling elements against the rib without requiring complex external forcing mechanisms or multiple operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides controlled elastic force to achieve the precise pressing parameter needed - enough force to ensure proper positioning of rolling elements against the rib, but not so much as to cause damage or require overly complex installation equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly tool (104) for positioning the rolling elements (150, 155) of a bearing assembly (100) during a preloading operation includes a roller seating actuator (400) configured to be removably coupled to a portion of the bearing assembly during the preloading operation, and a roller seating ring (420) movably coupled to the roller seating actuator. The roller seating ring includes a distal end (440) configured to engage an end of a rolling element of the bearing assembly. A biasing member (460) is positioned between the roller seating actuator and the roller seating ring and biases the roller seating ring away from roller seating actuator such that the distal end of the roller seating ring engages and presses the rolling element axially into engagement with a rib (145) of a race of the bearing assembly.