Segmented Pump Bearing Frame for Easier Crankshaft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating pump power end housings are prone to damage from excessive vibrations, bending moments, and deformation due to their weight and complex assembly requirements, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power end frame assembly with coaxially aligned end and middle plate segments featuring varying diameters for crankshaft bearing support surfaces, allowing for easier assembly and reduced likelihood of damage, along with a method for securing the crankshaft using bearing races and a lifting device to facilitate installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional power end housings are used, then structural strength is maintained, but weight is excessive and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power end housing is divided into multiple segments (first power end housing segment, second power end housing segment, and intermediate power end housing segment) that can be assembled together. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the overall structural strength through proper connection design between segments.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional power end housings are used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but assembly difficulty increases due to complex alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate power end housing segment includes an asymmetric alignment feature with a first alignment surface that mates with a corresponding surface on the first power end housing segment. This asymmetric design provides self-alignment capabilities during assembly, reducing the complexity of alignment procedures while ensuring precise positioning and maintaining structural stability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional power end housings are used, then bearing support capability is adequate, but access for bearing installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented housing design includes an intermediate segment that provides access pathways to the crankshaft bearings. This segmentation allows technicians to access and service the bearings more easily compared to a monolithic housing, while the distributed bearing support surfaces across multiple segments maintain the reliability of bearing support functionality.
4Reliability
If conventional power end housings are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but susceptibility to vibration damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented housing structure with properly designed connection interfaces between segments can better absorb and distribute vibrational stresses. The joints between segments act as stress distribution points that reduce concentration of forces, thereby improving resistance to vibration-induced damage while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power end frame assembly for a reciprocating pump that includes a first and second end plate segment each including annular bearing support surfaces configured to support a crankshaft bearing assembly. At least one middle plate segment is disposed between the first and second end plate segments and includes an annular bearing support surface configured to support a crankshaft bearing assembly. The annular bearing support surfaces of the first and second end plate segments and the at least one middle plate segment each have a diameter and are coaxially aligned. The diameter of at least one of the first and second end plate segments is different from the diameter of the at least one middle plate segment to facilitate insertion and removal of the crankshaft bearing assembly from the power end frame assembly.