Wind Turbine Rotor Bearing Assembly With Guided Vertical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor bearing arrangements for wind turbines are difficult to assemble, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for assembling a rotor bearing arrangement that involves provisioning a rotor shaft and a bearing block with slide bearing pads, where the rotor shaft is supported vertically and the bearing block is placed on top, using a receiving carriage with a linear guide for precise alignment and a slide bearing pad reception ring for secure attachment, allowing for a simplified and safe assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods are used for rotor bearing arrangements, then the assembly process becomes complex and difficult, but the components may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiving carriage with linear guides as an intermediary device between the bearing block and the rotor shaft. This mediator enables precise alignment and controlled movement during assembly, reducing the risk of damage while simplifying the overall assembly process. The receiving carriage acts as a temporary support structure that facilitates safe and accurate component placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is achieved during assembly, then assembly quality is improved, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving carriage is pre-configured with linear guides and support structures before the assembly process begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the bearing block and rotor shaft are brought together, precise alignment is achieved automatically through the pre-established guide paths, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during assembly.
3Device complexity
If manual assembly methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving carriage serves as a protective intermediary that interfaces between the assembly operator and the delicate bearing components. It provides controlled movement and support, preventing direct manual handling that could cause damage, while still maintaining a relatively simple device structure that doesn't overly complicate the assembly process.
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 method and device simplify the assembly of rotor bearing arrangements, improving the quality and safety of the assembly process by enabling precise alignment and secure attachment of components, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the slide bearing pad reception ring is heated and/or the rotor shaft is cooled down in order to facilitate an axial forcing-on. After the temperature equalization, and therefore the equalization of the respective thermal expansions, a tight fit of the slide bearing pad reception ring on the rotor shaft can be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a method for assembling a rotor bearing arrangement of a wind turbine, individual slide bearing pads are inserted in the bearing block. The bearing block fitted with the slide bearing pads is then joined to a rotor block. During the joining of the rotor shaft and of the bearing block fitted with the slide bearing pads, the rotor shaft may be installed on a rotor shaft support so as to be vertically upright. A rotor shaft flange of the rotor shaft may rest on the rotor shaft support. The bearing block fitted with the slide bearing pads may be placed upon the rotor shaft vertically from above.