Rotor Shaft Locking Ring for Fast Radial Bearing Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pumps face challenges in quickly and reliably mounting radial bearings to the rotor shaft, particularly for large shafts, due to time-consuming and material-intensive flange connections.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring a locking ring with radially inwardly protruding teeth that expands elastically to securely attach to the rotor shaft without a pre-fabricated groove, providing frictional force and potential positive-fit grooves for axial fixation, allowing for quick and reliable mounting of the radial bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flange connection is used to mount the radial bearing to the rotor shaft, then the mounting is reliable, but the mounting process consumes significant time and material
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled onto the rotor shaft. These segments form a complete circular locking structure that secures the bearing to the shaft without requiring a time-consuming flange connection, thus reducing mounting time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed to fit within the bearing structure and lock onto the rotor shaft in a nested configuration. This nested arrangement allows the bearing assembly to be compactly integrated with the shaft while providing secure mounting, eliminating the need for external flange connections
2Reliability
If a flange connection is used to mount the radial bearing to the rotor shaft, then the mounting is reliable, but significant material is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is segmented into multiple parts that can be assembled together to form a complete locking structure. This segmentation reduces material consumption compared to a solid flange connection, as only the necessary portions are used to achieve reliable mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component that can be quickly installed and removed. This approach uses minimal material compared to permanent flange connections, and the component can be replaced without specialized tools or procedures
3Reliability
If the locking ring is made rigid for strong locking, then the axial fixation is secure, but the mounting becomes difficult without a pre-fabricated groove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring incorporates elastic elements that allow it to dynamically adapt to the rotor shaft surface. The elastic restoring force enables the teeth to press against the shaft and create grooves during operation, providing secure axial fixation without requiring pre-fabricated grooves or complex mounting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring's elastic properties allow it to change its physical state during mounting and operation. The elastic restoring force enables the ring to deform slightly to press the teeth against the shaft surface, creating engagement grooves over time. This parameter change from rigid to elastic-behaving resolves the contradiction between secure locking and ease of mounting
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
Facilitates rapid and secure mounting of the radial bearing to the rotor shaft, reducing material usage and accommodating manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining stability in abrasive environments.
Implementation Method 1
the locking ring is radially expandable from a locking state to a mounting state against an elastic restoring force of the locking ring
Implementation Method 2
The teeth are configured to press, in the locking state, against a radial outer surface of the rotor shaft by the elastic restoring force of the locking ring. This high pressure provides for sufficient frictional force to axially fix the locking ring to the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a pump (1) comprisinga rotor shaft (13) extending along a rotor axis (R),a bearing body (19) circumferentially encompassing the rotor shaft (13) and comprising a radially outer bearing surface (32), anda locking ring (25) circumferentially encompassing the rotor shaft (13) and limiting an axial movement of the bearing body (19) relative to the rotor shaft (13),wherein the locking ring (25) comprises at least two radially inwardly protruding teeth (49, 51, 53, 55), wherein the locking ring (25) is radially expandable from a locking state to a mounting state against an elastic restoring force of the locking ring (25), wherein the locking ring (25) is, in the mounting state, positionable at a desired axial position on the rotor shaft (13), wherein the teeth (49, 51, 53, 55) are configured to press, in the locking state, against a radial outer surface (31) of the rotor shaft (13) by the elastic restoring force of the locking ring (25).