Self-centering auxiliary bearings in a magnetic bearing cartridge
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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 multiple tabs for an interference fit that automatically aligns the auxiliary bearing device concentrically with the magnetic bearing device, eliminating the need for shim parts and manual adjustment.
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 automatically centers itself relative to the magnetic bearing support housing through the interference fit between the tabs and the housing bore, eliminating the need for manual shimming and adjustment. The system self-aligns through the geometric constraints of the interference fit connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual shimming process is replaced by a mechanical interference fit system where tabs with specific dimensional tolerances automatically establish concentric alignment when inserted into the auxiliary bearing support housing bore, converting a manual adjustment process into an automated mechanical self-centering system.
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 centering function previously requiring separate shim parts is merged into the auxiliary bearing support housing structure itself. The housing incorporates the centering mechanism through its bore geometry and the interference fit with tabs, eliminating the need for separate shimming components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself provides the centering function through the interference fit between the tabs and the bore, making the system self-aligning without requiring external shimming tools or components. The geometric constraints of the interference fit automatically establish the correct concentric relationship.
Data Source
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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.