Thrust Bearing with Deformable Pillows for Axial Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust bearing devices for centrifugal pumps require high mechanical precision and costly components to efficiently manage axial thrusts, leading to elevated realization costs and suboptimal efficiency rates.
Innovation Solution
A thrust bearing device featuring a containment box with a central sleeve, ring-shaped support base, and deformable pillows that act as dynamic supports for sliding blocks, allowing for automatic compensation of dimensional shifts and optimizing fluid film formation between the blocks and rotor member, thereby enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spherical coupling means are used to connect support segments, then mechanical precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive spherical coupling means with simple flat support surfaces that provide sufficient support functionality. The support segments rest directly on flat surfaces within the containment box, eliminating the need for costly spherical couplings while maintaining adequate mechanical precision for thrust bearing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the spherical coupling means from the system entirely. By eliminating this complex and expensive component, the design achieves cost reduction while relying on simpler flat surface support mechanisms that are easier to manufacture and install.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spherical coupling means and spherical containment box features are used, then correct asset of parts is warranted, but realization cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous flat surfaces throughout the containment box structure instead of mixing spherical and flat geometries. The support segments have flat support surfaces that rest on flat surfaces within the containment box, creating a uniform manufacturing approach that reduces cost while maintaining stable part positioning.
3Reliability
If high mechanical precision components are used, then axial thrust support efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing is divided into multiple support segments with flat support surfaces arranged radially within the containment box. This segmentation allows each segment to independently support axial thrust while maintaining simplicity in individual component design, reducing overall device complexity compared to highly precision monolithic spherical couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The support segments are designed to dynamically adapt to load conditions through their flat surface geometry and arrangement. The segments can naturally adjust their positioning and load distribution under axial thrust without requiring complex precision mechanisms, achieving reliability through dynamic adaptability rather than static high precision.
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 achieves significantly improved efficiency rates, doubling the performance of known devices by enabling dynamic and distributed support, reducing friction losses, and simplifying the construction while lowering mechanical precision and cost requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pillow that can be deformed contained abutting the central sleeve and the perimeter wall, axially interposed between the ring-shaped support base and each of the blocks
Implementation Method 2
between which is provided the formation and maintenance of a fluid film, generally oil or water, necessary for protecting the contacting surfaces in relative motion
Data Source
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AI summary
The thrust bearing device suitable to support an axial thrust through a shaft (5) comprises a containment box (11) formed by a central sleeve (14) according to an axis (A) parallel in use to the axial thrust to be supported, a ring-shaped support base (15) and a perimeter wall (16), a plurality of sliding sectors or sliding blocks (12) arranged inside the containment box (11), radially distributed around the central sleeve (14) and provided with a support base (25) oriented in use towards the ring-shaped support base (15) and with a sliding operating surface (21) suitable to be arranged faced to a corresponding surface of a rotor member integral to the shaft (5).A pillow that can be deformed (13) is contained abutting the central sleeve (14) and the perimeter wall (16), being axially interposed between the ring-shaped support base (15) and each of the sliding blocks (12).