Segmented Slew Bearing for In-Place Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slew bearings, particularly large ones, require frequent inspection and maintenance, which leads to significant downtime as they need to be partially or fully dismantled, disrupting the operation of large structures like cranes and vessels.
Innovation Solution
A slew bearing design with a moveable bearing ring that can be shifted between operational and maintenance positions using actuators, allowing access to axial load rollers without rotating the bearing, enabling inspection and replacement without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the slew bearing is dismantled for inspection and maintenance, then access to interior components is enabled, but downtime increases and operational capacity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing ring is divided into a stationary portion and a moveable main portion that can be independently shifted between operational and maintenance positions. This segmentation allows the moveable portion to be accessed for maintenance while the stationary portion remains in place, enabling partial maintenance without complete disassembly and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing ring transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the main portion can be shifted between operational and maintenance positions using actuators. This dynamic capability allows the bearing to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, enabling quick transition to maintenance mode without full dismantling.
2Ease of repair
If the slew bearing is dismantled for maintenance, then inspection and maintenance can be performed, but operational capacity during maintenance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bearing ring into stationary and moveable portions, the invention enables independent maintenance of the moveable portion while the stationary portion continues to provide structural support. This allows maintenance activities to be performed on one segment without completely shutting down the operational capacity of the entire bearing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary portion of the bearing ring continues to provide structural support and maintain bearing capacity even when the moveable portion is in maintenance position. This continuity of useful action ensures that the bearing system maintains partial operational capacity during maintenance, reducing the impact on productivity.
3Ease of repair
If actuators are added to shift the bearing ring, then maintenance access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of actuators transforms the static bearing ring into a dynamic system that can shift between operational and maintenance positions. While this adds complexity, it enables automated or semi-automated maintenance access without requiring manual disassembly, potentially reducing overall maintenance complexity and time in the long term.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve as intermediary devices that mediate between the control system and the bearing ring, providing a controlled mechanism for shifting the bearing ring to maintenance position. This intermediary approach allows for precise control of the maintenance positioning while isolating the complexity of the actuation mechanism from the main bearing structure.
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 design minimizes downtime by allowing maintenance without disassembly, maintaining operational capacity during inspection and reducing maintenance costs through compact actuators and efficient roller replacement.
Implementation Method 1
the rollers configured to transfer axial loads parallel to the rotation axis between the moveable bearing ring and the stationary bearing ring
Implementation Method 2
the slew bearing is provided with multiple actuator seats, each seat comprising a first seat section and a second seat section, which actuator seats are configured for receiving an actuator, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder or an electric spindle, between the first seat section and the second seat section, to enable the actuators received in the actuator seats to move the one or more main portions of the moveable bearing ring
Data Source
AI summary
A slew bearing includes a stationary bearing ring to be fixed to a base, and a moveable bearing ring to be fixed to a moveable object, wherein the stationary bearing ring and the moveable bearing ring are configured to enable rotation of the moveable bearing ring relative to the stationary bearing ring about a rotation axis. A main axial bearing and an auxiliary bearing are provided between the stationary bearing ring and the moveable bearing ring, wherein the moveable bearing ring includes one or more main portions and one or more auxiliary portions, which one or more main portions are moveable relative to the one or more auxiliary portions between an operational position, in which the main axial bearing transfers the axial loads between moveable bearing ring and stationary bearing ring, and a raised maintenance position, in which the auxiliary axial bearing transfers the axial loads between moveable bearing ring and stationary bearing ring and the main bearing is allowed to be inspected and/or maintained so that the slew bearing during inspection and/or maintenance is still operational.