Split Tapered Roller Bearing with Clamping Band Seal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine drive train configurations require disconnection of the mainshaft for maintenance and bearing replacement, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when using split bearings to replace spherical roller bearings with split tapered roller bearings.
Innovation Solution
A split bearing assembly with a two-row configuration, featuring a split inner and outer race ring design, a split clamping band, and a split seal wear ring, allowing for secure installation and maintenance without disconnecting the mainshaft, along with a cage assembly for improved roller retention and anti-friction coatings for reduced fretting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spherical roller bearings are used in wind turbine pillowblocks, then the bearing can support radial and axial loads, but the mainshaft must be disconnected for maintenance and bearing replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is divided into separable components including a split inner race ring with first and second components, a split clamping band with first and second components, and a split seal wear ring with first and second components. This segmentation allows the bearing to be disassembled and reassembled on the shaft without removing the shaft from the turbine, enabling in-situ maintenance and reducing downtime
2Productivity
If split tapered roller bearings are used to replace spherical roller bearings, then bearing replacement can be performed without disconnecting the mainshaft, but the bearing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is divided into separable components including a split inner race ring with first and second components, a split clamping band with first and second components, and a split seal wear ring with first and second components. This segmentation allows the bearing to be disassembled and reassembled on the shaft without removing the shaft from the turbine, enabling in-situ maintenance and reducing downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The split inner race ring components are received within corresponding grooves of the split clamping band, which itself is received within the pillowblock housing. The seal wear ring is positioned on the outer diameter surface of the clamping band. This nested arrangement organizes multiple split components in a compact hierarchy, managing structural complexity while enabling easy assembly and maintenance
3Adaptability or versatility
If a split clamping band is used to secure the split inner race ring on the shaft, then the bearing can be installed without shaft disconnection, but additional components and assembly steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping band serves multiple functions: it secures the split inner race ring components to the shaft, provides a mounting surface for the seal wear ring, and enables the split design that allows in-situ installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, managing complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing assembly (100) includes a split inner race ring (115) configured to be installed on a shaft (25) and defines two raceways (135, 140) for supporting rolling elements (150,155). A split clamping band (170) is configured to be installed over the split inner race ring (115) to secure the split inner race ring (115) on the shaft (25). A split seal wear ring (290, 295) is configured to be installed on an outer diameter surface of the split clamping band (170). An engagement interface between the split clamping band (170) and the split seal wear ring (290, 295) includes a boss (340) on one of the split clamping band (170) and the split seal wear ring (290, 295), and an aperture (355) on the other one of the split clamping band (170) and the split seal wear ring (290, 295). The aperture (355) is sized and configured to receive the boss (340) for positioning the split seal wear ring (290, 295) on the split clamping band (170).