Sliding Bearing Service via Segmented Inner Shell Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for servicing sliding bearings in wind turbines are time-consuming, expensive, and prone to contamination by dust and foreign particles due to the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly, which requires significant space and heavy machinery.
Innovation Solution
A sliding bearing design with a strategically positioned opening in one of the bearing shells allows for the visible inspection and exchange of bearing pads without fully disassembling the bearing, minimizing the need for heavy machinery and reducing the risk of contamination, while a cover plate seals the opening during operation to maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bearing is fully disassembled to service the bearing pads, then access to the bearing pads is achieved, but service time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing shell is divided into two parts: a fixed outer shell and a removable inner shell that contains the bearing pads. This segmentation allows the inner shell to be removed independently to access the bearing pads, without requiring complete disassembly of the entire bearing assembly, thereby reducing service time while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing pads are extracted and placed on the removable inner shell, which can be taken out separately from the outer shell. This extraction allows servicing of the bearing pads without disassembling the entire bearing, reducing both service time and contamination risk from extensive disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If the bearing is fully disassembled to service the bearing pads, then the bearing pads can be exchanged, but the complexity of disassembly and reassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is segmented into a stationary outer shell and a movable inner shell containing the bearing pads. This segmentation simplifies the repair process by allowing the inner shell to be removed and reattached as a single unit, reducing the complexity of disassembly and reassembly compared to complete bearing disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shell containing the bearing pads is extracted as a separate component, allowing easy exchange of bearing pads without complex disassembly of the entire bearing structure. The inner shell can be removed through a simple lifting motion, reducing repair complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing shells are separated to service the bearing pads, then access to the pads is achieved, but the risk of contamination by dust and foreign particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shell containing the bearing pads is extracted as a sealed unit through a dedicated opening in the outer shell. This controlled extraction minimizes exposure to the external environment, reducing the risk of contamination by dust and foreign particles compared to complete bearing disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable inner shell acts as an intermediary that can be removed and reattached through a controlled opening. This intermediary structure allows access to bearing pads while maintaining a barrier against contamination, as the opening can be sealed when not in use.
4Ease of operation
If heavy machinery is used to dismantle the rotor for bearing service, then access to the main bearing is achieved, but service costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shell containing the bearing pads is extracted through a lifting opening in the outer shell without requiring rotor removal or heavy machinery. This extraction method allows bearing pad servicing while the rotor remains installed, significantly reducing service time and eliminating the need for heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design enables self-service capability through the removable inner shell that can be accessed and serviced without dismantling the rotor or using heavy machinery. The bearing pads can be exchanged through routine maintenance procedures, making the system self-servicing and reducing dependency on heavy equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding bearing and a service method to perform a service at a sliding bearing. A sliding bearing comprises a first bearing shell 1 and a second bearing shell 2 and a plurality of bearing pads 3 arranged between first and the second bearing shell. In addition the bearing comprises an opening 4 in the first bearing shell 1, whereby the opening 4 is arranged in a way that the bearing pads 3 are visible through the opening 4.