Segmented Elastomer Bearing Structure for Individual Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing structures for large and heavy machines, such as wind turbines, require laborious dismantling and reassembly to replace worn-out elastic elements, limiting accessibility and efficiency in maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bearing construction comprising multiple elastomeric elements arranged in a ring between two flanges, allowing individual elements to be mounted and replaced without disassembling the entire system, utilizing clamping devices and spacers with high friction coefficients for secure operation and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic bearing elements are designed as integrated components requiring axial removal, then vibration decoupling performance is improved, but maintenance accessibility and ease of replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is divided into multiple independent segments (first bearing segment, second bearing segment, third bearing segment) that can be removed individually. Each segment is connected through a common bore, allowing partial disassembly without removing the entire bearing assembly, thus enabling maintenance while preserving the integrated vibration decoupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual bearing segments are extracted as separate removable components from the overall bearing assembly. The first, second, and third bearing segments can be independently removed through the common bore, allowing worn segments to be replaced without dismantling the entire bearing structure or affecting other functional components.
2Ease of repair
If bearing elements are designed as removable individual components, then ease of replacement is improved, but structural complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing segments (first, second, third bearing segments) are merged into a single integrated assembly that shares a common bore and mounting structure. This consolidation allows individual segments to be replaced independently while maintaining a unified structural framework, reducing the complexity compared to having completely separate bearing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The common bore serves multiple functions: it provides the removal path for all bearing segments, acts as a structural connector between segments, and enables universal access for maintenance operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate access mechanisms for each segment, simplifying the overall design.
3Reliability
If multiple bearing elements are arranged in a ring configuration, then vibration damping effectiveness is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped bearing arrangement is segmented into multiple independently removable bearing elements (first, second, third bearing segments). Each segment can be individually accessed and removed through the common bore, allowing maintenance personnel to replace worn segments without disturbing other segments in the ring configuration, thus preserving vibration damping effectiveness while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual bearing segments are extracted from the ring configuration through the common bore, enabling selective replacement of worn elements. This extraction capability maintains the overall ring structure and vibration damping performance while allowing easy access and replacement of specific segments without dismantling the entire ring arrangement.
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
Enables efficient vibration damping and sound decoupling with the ability to replace individual bearing elements without dismantling the entire structure, improving maintenance accessibility and reducing operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
effective vibration damping or vibration- and sound decoupling can occur
Implementation Method 2
elastic bearing elements arranged in a ring between two flanges
Implementation Method 3
spacers (9) provided with a central bore, which can also consist of two spacer halves (9a)(9b)
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing structure for large and heavy machines and systems, such as a wind turbine for example. In particular, the invention relates to such a bearing structure based on elastomer bearing elements, which can be mounted and exchanged individually without having to at least partly disassemble the bearing structure together with the system or machine. The invention further relates to a method for simply exchanging elastomer elements in a bearing for heavy and large systems and machines.