Shaft Loading Device Actuator Bearing Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Current shaft loading devices for testing rotor shafts in wind power plants are complex and costly, with excessive moving masses, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, especially during dynamic processes.

Innovation Solution

A shaft loading device with a combined sliding bearing support and actuators that directly apply forces to the shaft receptacle, eliminating the need for separate bearing and force application components, allowing for modular construction and reduced moving masses, and enabling efficient distribution of bearing and loading forces across the circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate bearing support and force application components are used, then the shaft loading device can provide independent bearing and loading functions, but the device complexity and moving mass increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent bearing and loading functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bearing support function and force application function into a single integrated actuator assembly. The actuator directly applies force to the shaft while simultaneously providing bearing support, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. This merging reduces device complexity and moving mass while maintaining the ability to provide both bearing and loading functions independently through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate bearing support and force application components are used, then the shaft loading device can provide independent bearing and loading functions, but the moving mass increases leading to higher costs and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent bearing and loading functionsVSAvoidmoving mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bearing support function and force application function into a single integrated actuator assembly. The actuator directly applies force to the shaft while simultaneously providing bearing support, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. This merging reduces device complexity and moving mass while maintaining the ability to provide both bearing and loading functions independently through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a simplified construction with combined bearing and force application is used, then the device complexity and moving mass are reduced, but the device lifespan may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical bearing components with an actuator-based system that provides both bearing support and force application. The actuator uses controlled mechanical action to support the shaft and apply loads, eliminating the need for complex separate bearing assemblies. This substitution maintains device simplicity while ensuring reliability through the engineered actuator design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional shaft loading devices are used, then bearing support and force application can be provided independently, but the costs increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent bearing and loading functionsVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bearing support function and force application function into a single integrated actuator assembly. The actuator directly applies force to the shaft while simultaneously providing bearing support, eliminating the need for separate bearing components. This merging reduces device complexity and moving mass while maintaining the ability to provide both bearing and loading functions independently through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides bearing support, applies loading forces, and enables dynamic process control. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the versatility to perform independent bearing and loading operations, thereby reducing overall device costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution results in a simpler, cost-effective, and long-lasting shaft loading device capable of simulating various load scenarios with reduced moving masses, enhancing dynamic process efficiency and extending the device's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the sliding bearing element can be brought into sliding contact with a sliding bearing surface of the sliding bearing structure by the working member so that the shaft receptacle is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8671535B2Shaft loading device

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 RENK TEST SYST

AI summary

Shaft loading device for a test stand, having a shaft receptacle for receiving a shaft to be loaded for testing and a rotational bearing device which is constructed as a combination of sliding bearing support of the shaft receptacle and plurality of actuators acting directly on the sliding bearing support for selective application of bearing force to the shaft receptacle.