Slewing Ring Residual Material Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine slewing rings and gearing systems face high production costs and wear due to dynamic alternating loads from changing wind conditions, leading to increased backlash and reduced rigidity in gear teeth.
Innovation Solution
The inner or outer ring of the slewing ring is not completely machined before tooth milling, leaving residual material above the teeth to reinforce and stabilize the ring, with interdental spaces having arcuate terminations to ensure a defined tooth height and stability, thereby enhancing the rigidity and durability of the toothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inner ring or outer ring is completely machined before tooth milling, then the production cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the rigidity and stability of the ring structure deteriorates under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is pre-reinforced with ribs or stiffening elements before the tooth milling process begins. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the ring maintains its rigidity and stability throughout the subsequent machining operations and during service under dynamic loads, eliminating the need for complete machining that would compromise structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the individual teeth are completely milled out from full material, then the tooth geometry precision is improved, but the wear resistance and durability deteriorate under alternating loads
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely milling out each tooth from full material, the invention applies local quality by selectively removing material only where necessary for tooth geometry while preserving material in critical load-bearing regions. The ribs or stiffening elements are strategically positioned to provide local reinforcement where stresses are highest, optimizing both precision and durability.
3Length of moving object
If the material above the teeth is completely removed, then the tooth height is maximized for engagement, but the stability and resistance to backlash increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the tooth height-stability contradiction by adding structural elements in a different dimensional configuration. Ribs or stiffening elements are positioned radially or axially to provide support without reducing the functional tooth height, thus maintaining engagement capability while enhancing stability and reducing backlash under load.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a slewing ring for a wind turbine and a gear for a slewing ring. The object of the invention is to reduce the manufacturing effort for a slewing ring and to enable a stiffening of the slewing ring. A key feature of the solution according to the invention is that the inner or outer ring of a slewing ring (bearing) is not completely turned out before the teeth are milled. The material above the teeth remains completely intact as a circumferential residual material ring within the blank of the inner or outer ring. The individual teeth are milled by the milling tool only to the extent necessary to achieve the required tooth height. The residual material above the teeth remains completely intact around the circumference. It reinforces and stiffens the inner or outer ring of the slewing ring. According to the invention, the individual teeth are thus not only held at the tooth root on the inner or outer ring.They are also stabilized on the front side by the residual material above the teeth at the transition to the solid material of the inner ring or the outer ring.