Sliding Bearing Pad Locking for Easy Replacement and Tight Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding bearings for wind turbines face challenges in easy installation and replacement of sliding bearing pads, as well as maintaining a tight fit and preventing vibrations or displacement during operation.

Innovation Solution

A sliding bearing design featuring an inner ring element with receiving profiles for positive locking of sliding bearing pads, a dovetail connection for easy insertion and removal, and a clamping device with wedges and positioning means for secure axial fixation, allowing for simple and secure replacement of sliding bearing pads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sliding bearing pads are designed with traditional fastening methods, then the connection between pads and inner ring element is secure, but the installation and replacement of pads becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInstallation and replacement of sliding bearing padsVSAvoidFastening structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening structure is segmented into separate components: a fastening profile on the sliding bearing pad and a corresponding receiving profile on the inner ring element. This segmentation allows the pad to be independently installed and removed without affecting the entire bearing structure, significantly simplifying maintenance operations while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening profile and receiving profile act as intermediary elements that mediate between the sliding bearing pad and the inner ring element. These profiles provide a standardized interface that enables easy installation and removal while ensuring secure mechanical connection during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If sliding bearing pads are designed for easy removal, then maintenance becomes simpler, but the secure fixation and prevention of vibrations during operation becomes compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveReplacement of sliding bearing padsVSAvoidSecure fixation of sliding bearing pads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The fastening profile and receiving profile are designed to provide secure fixation during operation (reliable state) while allowing for easy removal when needed (maintenance state). This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between reliability and ease of repair as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening profile is pre-formed on the sliding bearing pad during manufacturing, and the corresponding receiving profile is pre-formed on the inner ring element. This preliminary preparation of complementary profiles ensures that when assembly is required, the components can be quickly and securely connected without complex fastening procedures, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional connection methods are used for sliding bearing pads, then the structure is simple, but the tight fit and prevention of displacement during operation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTight fit and prevention of displacementVSAvoidConnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening profile and receiving profile are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide directional locking. The profiles are shaped such that they naturally prevent radial and axial displacement of the sliding bearing pad while allowing for straightforward insertion during installation. This asymmetric design achieves tight fit and displacement prevention without requiring complex multi-component connection structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables easy installation and replacement of sliding bearing pads, maintains a tight fit, and prevents vibrations or displacement, ensuring reliable operation and maintainability of the sliding bearing.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping device with wedges and positioning means for secure axial fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a clamping device with wedges and positioning means for secure axial fixation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a dovetail connection for easy insertion and removal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11486446B2Plain bearing arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 MIBA GLEITLAGER AUSTRIA GMBH

AI summary

A sliding bearing includes:—an inner ring element;—an outer ring element;—at least one sliding bearing element, which is arranged between the inner ring element and the outer ring element. The sliding bearing element has multiple sliding bearing pads, wherein the individual sliding bearing pads each have a radial bearing surface and a fastening profile located opposite the radial bearing surface. The inner ring element has at least one receiving profile on its radial outside, which receiving profile serves for the positive locking connection between the sliding bearing pads and the inner ring element.