Self-Centering Auxiliary Bearing Assembly for Concentric Shaft Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for locating an auxiliary bearing device relative to a magnetic bearing in high-speed induction motors are difficult and time-consuming, often requiring individual shim parts and manual adjustment, which complicates the process of ensuring concentric alignment.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering bearing assembly is designed with a magnetic bearing support housing and an auxiliary bearing support housing, featuring disc-like shapes and tabs that provide an interference fit to ensure concentric alignment without the need for shims or manual adjustment, utilizing a ball bearing with inner and outer rings and balls for support during auxiliary conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual shim parts and manual adjustment are used to locate the auxiliary bearing device relative to the magnetic bearing, then concentric alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary bearing support housing is designed with a self-centering mechanism that automatically achieves concentric alignment with the magnetic bearing support housing. The housing itself performs the alignment function that previously required manual shimming and adjustment, eliminating the need for operator intervention and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A self-centering mechanism acts as an intermediary between the auxiliary bearing support housing and the magnetic bearing support housing. This mechanism automatically establishes the correct concentric relationship without requiring manual intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and setup time.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual shim parts and manual adjustment are used to locate the auxiliary bearing device, then concentric alignment can be achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary bearing support housing incorporates a self-centering mechanism that automatically achieves concentric alignment. This integrates the alignment function directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate shim parts and manual adjustment procedures, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-centering mechanism integrates multiple functions (alignment, positioning, and support) into a single integrated component structure. By combining these functions that were previously separate (shims, manual adjustment, and bearing support), the overall assembly complexity is reduced while maintaining the required concentric alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-centering bearing assembly is provided. The bearing assembly includes a magnetic bearing device configured to support a rotating shaft and a magnetic bearing support housing. The magnetic bearing housing has a disc-like shape and multiple tabs extending from an outer diameter portion in an axial direction. The bearing assembly further includes an auxiliary bearing device configured to support the rotating shaft during an auxiliary bearing condition, and an auxiliary bearing support housing. The auxiliary bearing support housing has a disc-like shape with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion. The first diameter portion has a larger diameter than the second diameter portion. The tabs are configured to couple to the second diameter portion such that the auxiliary bearing support housing is concentric to the magnetic bearing support housing.