Taper Sleeve Driver Thrust Bearing Radial Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing key-and-slot-ring mechanism for connecting a thrust runner to a shaft in horizontal pumping systems allows radial movement and imbalance, leading to increased wear and vibration, which can cause connection failure at elevated rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A thrust bearing assembly with a taper sleeve driver and thrust runner, where the taper sleeve driver applies a radially directed clamping force to secure the thrust runner to the shaft, reducing axial displacement and imbalance through a tight fit and uniform contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a key-and-slot-ring mechanism is used to connect the thrust runner to the shaft, then the connection is simple to manufacture and install, but radial movement and imbalance occur leading to increased wear and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a taper sleeve that provides radial clamping, a driver that transmits torque, and a thrust runner with a central passage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing a reliable connection without radial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The taper sleeve employs a tapered (conical) surface geometry that, when driven into the thrust runner, generates radial clamping force through the conversion of axial driving force into radial compression. This curved geometric principle eliminates radial play and ensures tight centric alignment between the shaft and thrust runner.
2Device complexity
If a key-and-slot-ring mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but radial movement causes imbalance and excess vibration at elevated rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered geometry of the sleeve converts axial driving force into radial clamping force, ensuring the thrust runner remains tightly centered on the shaft. This eliminates radial movement and the resulting imbalance and vibration that occur with flat-key connections at high rotational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The taper sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the shaft and thrust runner, providing both radial clamping and torque transmission functions. This mediator ensures stable centric alignment and eliminates the harmful radial movement that causes vibration.
3Device complexity
If a key-and-slot-ring mechanism is used, then the connection structure is simple, but wear on connecting components increases leading to connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into specialized components: the taper sleeve for radial clamping, the driver for torque transmission, and the thrust runner for thrust support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing wear through proper load distribution and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry creates uniform radial clamping pressure around the entire circumference of the thrust runner, distributing wear evenly across the contact surfaces. This eliminates the localized stress concentrations and uneven wear patterns that lead to premature failure in key-and-slot connections.
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 solution effectively centers and secures the thrust runner, reducing radial and axial movement, thereby minimizing wear and vibration, and enhancing the reliability of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
The taper sleeve driver has a tapered exterior surface that applies a radially directed clamping force against the thrust runner as the taper sleeve driver is engaged within the central passage
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust bearing assembly configured to reduce the axial displacement of a shaft includes a stationary thrust bearing, a thrust runner adjacent to the thrust bearing and a taper sleeve driver. The thrust runner includes a central passage. The taper sleeve driver includes an interior surface in contact with the shaft and an exterior surface in contact with the central passage of the thrust runner. The taper sleeve driver has a tapered exterior surface that applies a radially directed clamping force against the thrust runner as the taper sleeve driver is engaged within the central passage.