Segmented Bearing Seal Assembly for Easier Wind Turbine Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spring-loaded rotating-shaft sealing devices for wind turbines are difficult to mount and disassemble due to their large size and the complexity of the vulcanization process, leading to high processing costs and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with an elastic sealing body that can form a closed loop, allowing for detachable connection and disconnection, featuring form-fitting ends and optional clamps for enhanced stability and ease of assembly, along with equidistantly spaced springs for uniform pre-tightening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing device uses a complete annular structure formed by vulcanization process, then the sealing performance and structural strength are improved, but the device complexity and processing costs increase, and it becomes difficult to mount and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments instead of a complete annular structure. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the complexity of the vulcanization process while maintaining sealing performance through the coordinated arrangement of multiple segments with sealing lips and springs.
2Strength
If the sealing device uses a complete annular structure formed by vulcanization process, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to large mold and equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is segmented into multiple arc-shaped sections that can be manufactured using smaller molds and equipment. Each segment is reinforced with fabric layers and connected through connecting pieces with fastening mechanisms, maintaining structural strength while reducing manufacturing requirements and costs.
3Reliability
If the sealing device uses a complete annular structure, then the sealing performance is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates as the bearing cannot be disassembled from the wind turbine
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple detachable arc-shaped segments that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace specific sealing segments without disassembling the entire bearing assembly, significantly improving maintenance ease while maintaining sealing performance through the coordinated arrangement of segments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing device uses a fabric-reinforced frame with interference contact, then the adaptability for mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric-reinforced frame is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments rather than a complete annular structure. Each segment maintains the fabric reinforcement for adaptability in mounting, but the segmented design with simplified connecting pieces reduces overall structural complexity and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly.
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 easy mounting and dismounting of the sealing device on wind turbine bearings, reducing processing costs and improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing body, wherein the elastic sealing body has a first end and a second end, the elastic sealing body extends from the first end to the second end
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of springs radially load the sealing lip toward the same side
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device. The sealing device includes an elastic sealing body. The clastic sealing body has a first end and a second end, the elastic sealing body extends from the first end to the second end, and the first end and the second end can be detachably joined together to form a closed loop. The sealing device is easy to mount.