Screw Centrifuge Bearing Arrangement With Elastic Axial Load Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid bowl worm centrifuge bearing arrangements with multiple axial bearings face issues with individual bearing overload and limited service life, making it difficult to evenly distribute and manage axial forces effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic means to support the axial force of the worm, which compresses and redistributes the axial force between two axial bearings, ensuring equal loading and preventing overloading, while also absorbing impacts and compensating for thermal changes and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple axial bearings are used to absorb axial force, then the overall axial force absorption capacity is improved, but individual bearings may become overloaded and defective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial force absorption capacityVSAvoidbearing service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A movable connection element is introduced between the second axial bearing and the worm hub, acting as an intermediary that redistributes axial forces. This element can move axially to equalize the load distribution between the two axial bearings, preventing individual bearing overload while maintaining the enhanced force absorption capacity of the dual-bearing arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connection element changes the load distribution parameter dynamically. By allowing axial movement, the system automatically adjusts the force distribution ratio between the two bearings based on their respective positions and stiffness characteristics, ensuring optimal load sharing under varying operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If axial bearings are dimensioned to handle maximum axial force, then the bearing load capacity is sufficient, but the radial overall height of the bearing arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing load capacityVSAvoidradial overall height
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing arrangement is segmented into two separate axial bearings that share the axial force load. The movable connection element divides the force transmission path, allowing each bearing to be dimensioned for a portion of the total axial force rather than the full load, thereby reducing the required radial height of each individual bearing and the overall arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution effectively distributes and limits the axial force on each bearing, reducing the maximum individual load by half, allowing for smaller bearing dimensions, reduced radial height, and improved maintenance intervals, particularly beneficial in large pond depth applications.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic means is provided on which the second axial bearing for supporting the axial force of the worm is supported in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastic means can also absorb impacts and vibrations of the screw in certain construction situations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

it can compensate for changes in the shape of components, such as a thermal change in length or abrasion due to wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3408031B1Bearing arrangement of a screw of a solid bowl screw centrifuge
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 FLOTTWEG GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3408031B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3408031B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3408031B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a bearing arrangement of a screw of a solid bowl screw centrifuge, having a centrifuge axis, a first axial bearing and a second axial bearing, which are provided to absorb an axial force of the screw. According to the invention, an elastic means is provided, on which the second axial bearing is supported in the axial direction for supporting the axial force of the screw.