Thrust Bearing Load Measurement Using Spring Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial bearings used in water turbines, pumps, and pump turbines face challenges in accurately measuring axial loads, which can vary significantly during operation, leading to potential damage from high loads and inefficient indirect measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a measuring device to determine the axial load by measuring the average distance between the bearing plate and bearing shoes, utilizing a distance sensor and elastic elements to calculate the load based on spring compression, allowing for easy calibration and integration into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect measurement methods are used to measure axial load, then the measurement process is simpler to implement, but the measurement precision is insufficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement methods with direct electrical measurement using a measuring device that includes a sensor and evaluation unit. This substitution enables precise measurement of the actual axial load by directly detecting the load force, eliminating the inaccuracies and time-consuming nature of indirect methods while maintaining implementation feasibility through standardized sensor technology
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device leverages the existing spring elements already present in the bearing structure for load compensation. By measuring the compression of these existing spring elements, the system uses available structural components to provide measurement functionality, reducing the need for entirely separate measurement infrastructure and simplifying integration into the existing bearing system
2Stability of the object's composition
If spring elements are made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the bearing shoe cannot tilt to compensate for tolerances, but if spring elements are made flexible to allow tilting, then the structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different stiffness characteristics to different spring elements based on their specific functional requirements. Some spring elements are designed with higher rigidity for stable load-bearing, while others are made more flexible to enable bearing shoe tilting for tolerance compensation. This localized differentiation allows each spring element to optimize its properties for its specific position and function within the bearing assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are designed to dynamically adjust their stiffness characteristics based on operating conditions. The measuring device monitors the actual compression of each spring element, and the system can adaptively control the spring elements' rigidity to balance structural stability with the need for tilting movement, ensuring reliable hydrodynamic lubrication while maintaining overall structural integrity
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 precise and efficient measurement of axial loads, reducing the risk of damage from high loads and improving measurement accuracy and reliability over time.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting spring elements must allow the bearing shoes to tilt and compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances through axial compliance
Implementation Method 2
at least one measuring device for measuring the mean distance between the bearing plate (5) and at least one of the bearing shoes (7)
Implementation Method 3
To ensure that a hydrodynamic lubricating film forms between the guide ring and the bearing shoes during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an axial bearing (1) for absorbing high axial loads of a shaft (2), having a support structure (3) and a load transmission device (4) for transmitting the load from the shaft (2) to the support structure (3). The support structure (3) comprises a bearing plate (5), a plurality of spring elements (6) and a plurality of bearing shoes (7), the spring elements (6) being arranged on the bearing plate (5) and in groups, and each group of spring elements (6) being covered by a bearing shoe (7). The load transmission device (4) is firmly connected to the shaft and comprises a tracking ring (8) which is arranged such that the tracking ring can rotate on the bearing shoes. The bearing plate (5) and the tracking ring (8) are in each case arranged concentrically with the shaft (2), and the axial bearing (1) comprises an advantageously designed measuring device (9) for measurement of the central distance between the bearing plate (5) and a bearing shoe (7).