Segmented Clamping Ring Assembly for Wind Turbine Bearing Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing designs for preventing axial displacement of bearing rings in large wind turbines with increased radial and axial loads are inadequate, leading to costly downtime and maintenance due to the loosening of conventional split clamping rings and press-fit rings.
Innovation Solution
A split clamping ring with shortened ring sections and spacers that distribute load forces effectively, using transverse and spacer fasteners to maintain a tight fit and prevent axial displacement, ensuring reliable fixation of bearings during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional split clamping ring with two halves joined by threaded fasteners is used, then the bearing ring can be fixed axially, but the fastened joint loosens under large radial and axial loads and deformations in large wind turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into multiple ring sections (at least three) instead of just two halves, with each section spanning a smaller angular extent. This segmentation reduces the load and deformation stress on each individual fastener joint, preventing loosening while maintaining reliable axial fixation of the bearing ring.
Solution Approach 2:
Spacer assemblies are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent ring sections. These spacers accommodate the shaft of transverse threaded fasteners and provide load distribution, acting as a mediator that enhances the stability of the fastener joints under large radial and axial loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If a press-fit ring is used to prevent axial displacement, then installation is more economical, but the ring is difficult to install and can be displaced by shaft deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is segmented into multiple removable ring sections that can be installed separately and assembled on the shaft. This segmentation makes installation significantly easier compared to a single-piece press-fit ring, while the modular design maintains manufacturing economy through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with fastener joints creates a more flexible structure that can accommodate shaft deformations better than a rigid press-fit ring, preventing displacement while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
3Reliability
If shaft nut or press-fit ring is used for axial fixation, then bearing axial position can be maintained, but the components are expensive to manufacture or difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into multiple simple ring sections with standard fasteners, replacing complex single-piece components like shaft nuts. This segmentation maintains reliable axial position maintenance while significantly reducing component complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes from using expensive specialized components (shaft nuts, press-fit rings) to a standardized segmented ring structure with conventional fasteners, altering the parameter of component complexity while maintaining the same functional outcome of reliable axial fixation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a split clamping ring (1) for placing about a wind turbine drivetrain shaft (20), which split clamping ring (1) comprises a number of ring sections (1R), each with the form of a circular arc, and wherein adjacent ring sections (1R) comprise bores (104, 106) to receive a transverse threaded fastener (1F); and a number of spacer assemblies (1S), each with the form of a circular arc; and wherein each spacer assembly (1S) comprises an inner spacer part (11) and an outer spacer part (13) shaped to fit between opposing end faces (101, 103) of adjacent ring sections (1R) and to accommodate the shaft of a transverse threaded fastener (1F). The invention further describes a main bearing unit (2) of a wind turbine drivetrain, comprising such a split clamping ring (1) mounted about its main shaft (20) to abut a bearing (21); and a method of assembling such a main bearing unit (2).