Slanted Roller Support for Turbo Shaft Axial Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbochargers face challenges in effectively managing axial forces and reducing rotational speed to prevent damage to bearings, leading to inefficiencies and potential degradation.
Innovation Solution
A roller support system for the turbocharger featuring slanted contact surfaces and rollers that engage these surfaces to provide axial and radial support, reducing the rotational speed of the rollers and bearings, thereby mitigating damage and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional turbocharger bearings are used at high rotational speeds, then the turbocharger can operate at peak torque speed for maximum efficiency, but the bearings suffer from degradation and potential damage due to high rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rollers as an intermediary element between the turbo shaft and the bearing. The rollers rotate with the shaft at high speed while the bearing operates at a reduced rotational speed, as the bearing only rotates when the rollers rotate. This mediator (roller) allows the system to achieve both high-speed operation and bearing protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional direct-contact bearing system with a roller-based mechanical system. Instead of the bearing directly supporting the rotating shaft, rollers are introduced to transfer the load, substituting the direct mechanical connection with an intermediate rolling contact mechanism that reduces bearing rotational speed
2Device complexity
If the turbo shaft is directly supported by bearings, then the structure is simple, but axial forces cause damage to the bearings and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers serve as an intermediary between the turbo shaft and the bearing, absorbing and managing axial forces. The slanted contact surfaces on the rollers convert axial forces into radial forces that the roller geometry can handle, preventing direct transmission of damaging axial loads to the bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact geometry by introducing slanted contact surfaces on the rollers. This geometric parameter change allows the rollers to convert axial forces into radial forces through the angle of contact, transforming the force vector to protect the bearing from direct axial loading
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 system effectively counteracts axial forces, reduces rotational speed, and minimizes bearing degradation, allowing for more efficient operation and extended lifespan of the turbocharger components.
Implementation Method 1
a first roller outer surface that engages the first slanted contact surface of the turbo shaft to form a first plurality of roller-shaft interfaces, and a second roller outer surface that engages the second slanted contact surface of the turbo shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an embodiment of a turbocharger roller support system that utilizes roller-shaft interfaces that are slanted to locate a turbocharger shaft with a turbine and compressor. Slanted contact surfaces on the turbocharger shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the roller support system. The rollers entirely locate the turbocharger shaft, so that no bearings are necessary directly on the turbocharger shaft. The rollers spin at a slower speed than the turbocharger shaft, so can utilize lower speed bearings.