Shaft Seize Ring Disconnect for Bearing Failure Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting and managing failures in driven elements, such as electrical generators and compressors, are either costly and resource-intensive or fail to address rapid bearing failure modes, leading to unsafe conditions and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A disconnect mechanism that includes a shaft rotationally coupling a prime mover and a driven element, with a first seize ring and a housing that thermally expands to prevent rotation when centerline control is lost, using a torque-activated disconnect element to safely decouple the prime mover and driven element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors and predictive models are installed to predict driven element failure, then failure prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the failure detection function from complex sensor systems and implements it through a simple mechanical indicator mechanism. The driven element housing includes a visual indicator that directly shows bearing clearance conditions without requiring electronic sensors or computing equipment, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing indicator system is self-service in that it automatically indicates bearing clearance conditions through mechanical means without requiring external power, sensors, or computational resources. The indicator mechanism uses the bearing clearance itself to drive the visual indication, eliminating the need for complex monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If preventative maintenance schedules are followed to change driven elements, then failure safety is improved, but maintenance costs and downtime increase due to premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing continuous visual indication of bearing clearance conditions before actual failure occurs. This allows operators to plan maintenance at the optimal moment - just before bearing failure - rather than following fixed schedules that cause premature replacement, thereby reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing indicator provides real-time feedback on actual bearing clearance conditions, allowing maintenance decisions to be based on actual component status rather than time-based schedules. This feedback mechanism enables precise timing of maintenance activities, reducing premature replacements and associated downtime while ensuring safety.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If bearing clearance increases indicating impending failure, then detection capability is improved, but harmful effects increase due to continued operation causing additional damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing early visual warning of increased bearing clearance through the indicator mechanism. This early warning allows operators to take protective action - shutting down or planning maintenance - before the bearing fails completely, thereby preventing the harmful effects of continued operation that would cause additional damage to the driven element.
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 solution allows for prompt disconnection of the prime mover and driven element, minimizing damage and maintenance costs, and does so without the need for complex electronics or additional weight, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The first seize ring is adapted to thermally expand in an outwardly radial manner after contact with the first contact member so as to prevent rotation of the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A disconnect mechanism includes a shaft that rotationally couples a prime mover and a driven element together. The disconnect mechanism also includes a first bearing that rotationally supports the shaft and a first seize ring rigidly attached to the shaft. The first seize ring coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the shaft. The disconnect mechanism also includes a housing that retains the first bearing. The housing includes a first contact member that is fixed with relation to the shaft. The first contact member is concentrically spaced from the first seize ring during the normal operation of the shaft and selectively contacts the first seize ring when the centerline control of the shaft is not maintained. The disconnect mechanism also includes a torque activated disconnect element that rotationally decouples the prime mover and the driven element from one another when the first seize ring contacts the first contact member.