Segmented Sliding Surface Bearing for Combined Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bearing elements for wind turbines and similar applications can only effectively absorb radial or axial forces, and to a limited extent, tilting moments, leading to inefficiencies and increased wear when subjected to combined loads.
Innovation Solution
A bearing element design featuring an inner and outer ring with a sliding surface configuration, where the sliding surface is divided into sections with different angles relative to the central axis, allowing for efficient absorption of radial and axial forces and tilting moments, minimizing wear through linear contact and optimized surface pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sliding bearing with a single uniform sliding surface is used, then the bearing can support radial and axial forces, but it cannot effectively absorb tilting moments and results in point loads and increased wear when tilting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is divided into multiple sections (first subsection and second subsection) with different angular orientations. Each section is designed to handle specific load components: the first subsection absorbs axial or radial forces while the second subsection absorbs tilting moments, preventing point loads and reducing wear
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the sliding surface are given different geometric properties (different angles relative to the central longitudinal axis) to optimize their load-bearing characteristics. This local differentiation allows each region to specialize in absorbing specific types of forces, improving overall bearing performance and reducing harmful surface pressures
2Reliability
If the sliding surface is divided into sections with different angles, then the bearing can effectively absorb both radial/axial forces and tilting moments, but the geometric complexity of the bearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is segmented into distinct angular sections, each optimized for specific load types. This segmentation enables the bearing to handle combined loads (radial, axial, and tilting moments) effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner ring element tilts relative to the outer ring element, then the bearing can accommodate tilting moments, but conventional designs result in point loads that increase surface pressure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
When the inner ring element tilts, the segmented sliding surface ensures that the second subsection (oriented at a different angle) engages to absorb the tilting moment. This prevents concentration of loads at a single point, distributing the stress across multiple contact regions and minimizing wear
Solution Approach 2:
Different angular sections of the sliding surface provide locally optimized contact characteristics. When tilting occurs, the appropriate section engages to maintain favorable contact conditions, preventing point loads and reducing surface pressure in the tilted state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing element (7), having at least one inner ring element (11) and at least one outer ring element (14), wherein a slide bearing arrangement (17) formed by at least one slide bearing (19) is formed between the inner ring element (11) and the outer ring element (14). The slide bearings (19) have a slide surface (24) which interacts with a running surface (25) of the oppositely situated ring element (11, 14). In the new state of the slide bearing (19), the slide surface (24) of the slide bearing (19) has, as viewed in cross section, at least one first partial section (30) and one second partial section (31), wherein a tangent (32) to the first partial section (30) is arranged at a first angle (33) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (22), and a tangent (34) to the second partial section (31) is arranged at a second angle (35) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (22), wherein the first angle (33) differs from the second angle (35).