Split Bottom Bearing for Vertical Shaft Load Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical shaft systems, such as spiral conveyor systems, face issues with motor and gearbox wear due to excessive weight, leading to frequent replacements and high maintenance costs, as well as challenges in easily replacing bearings without extensive dismantling or roof modifications.

Innovation Solution

A bottom bearing system comprising a cylindrical sleeve formed from two half-cylinders with grooves and shoulders, designed to distribute the weight of the vertical shaft, allowing for easy installation and replacement without lifting the entire system, and featuring a split design for reduced maintenance complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor and gearbox are used to rotate the vertical shaft, then the spiral conveyor system can convey food products, but the excessive weight (8,000 to 20,000 pounds) causes the motor and gearbox to wear down quickly and require frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor and gearbox lifespanVSAvoidweight load on motor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is divided into two separate half-cylinders that can be installed and removed independently. This segmentation allows the bearing to be replaced without lifting the entire spiral conveyor system, solving the problem of motor and gearbox wear by enabling easy maintenance of the bearing that supports the vertical shaft and reduces load on the motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the spiral conveyor system is raised 18 inches to replace the motor or bearing, then the motor or bearing can be accessed for replacement, but the spiral already extends close to the ceiling requiring roof modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor or bearing replacementVSAvoiddismantling and roof modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is segmented into two half-cylinders that can be removed independently from each other and from the housing. This allows the bearing to be replaced by simply removing the half-cylinders without needing to lift the entire spiral conveyor system or modify the roof, making maintenance simple and accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing components (half-cylinders) are extracted from the housing through openings provided in the housing structure. This extraction mechanism allows the bearing to be removed and replaced without dismantling the spiral conveyor system or making structural modifications to the roof or ceiling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If a traditional bearing design is used, then the motor can be replaced, but extensive dismantling of the spiral or cutting into the roof is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing replacementVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is divided into two half-cylinders that can be quickly removed through openings in the housing without dismantling the spiral conveyor system. This segmentation enables rapid bearing replacement that significantly reduces maintenance time and eliminates the need for extensive dismantling or roof modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 bottom bearing effectively reduces the load on motors and gearboxes, extends their lifespan, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for easy replacement without extensive dismantling or roof modifications, thereby reducing costs and time.

Implementation Method 1

At least one opening in an outer surface of each of the half-cylinders is configured to convey grease from outside the bottom bearing to the plurality of grooves formed in the inner surfaces and upper surfaces of the half-cylinders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGrease conveyance through openings:

Implementation Method 2

The first shoulder and second shoulder are configured to bear the weight of a vertical shaft by exerting an upward force on a sleeve affixed to the vertical shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight bearing through upward force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11199219B2Bottom bearing

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 BROWN TERRY MICHAEL

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a bottom bearing may include forming a first half-cylinder and a second half-cylinder, the first half-cylinder including a first shoulder and a first inside surface and the second half-cylinder including a second shoulder and a second inside surface. The first shoulder and second shoulder are configured to bear the weight of a vertical shaft by exerting an upward force on a sleeve in mechanical communication with the vertical shaft.