Thrust Pad Fastening Structure for Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wind power sliding bearing gearboxes, the pre-tightening force of bolts securing thrust pads decreases due to thermal expansion differences between materials, leading to loosening and eventual failure as the thrust pad undergoes plastic deformation and fails to rebound to its original size.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus with a thrust pad featuring a first recess, communication hole, and connection structure, including a flange pad and bushing body, which distributes the tightening torque and maintains a reserved gap to compensate for thermal expansion, ensuring the thrust pad is securely attached to a carrying member without direct contact, thus preventing plastic deformation and maintaining pre-tightening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thrust pad is pre-tightened through the bolt at ambient temperature, then the initial connection is secure, but the pre-tightening force decreases by 20% to 30% under thermal fluctuation, leading to loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation mechanism that changes the geometric parameters of the fastening system. The inclined plane structure allows the bolt position to shift along the inclination, effectively compensating for thermal expansion differences between the thrust pad and bolt materials, thereby maintaining stable pre-tightening force under temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compensation block as an intermediary element between the bolt and the thrust pad. This compensation block with inclined plane structure mediates the thermal expansion differences, allowing the system to maintain connection stability while accommodating material expansion variations
2Temperature
If the thrust pad expands radially due to thermal expansion, then the connection stiffness decreases, but the axial expansion and clamping force cause plastic deformation, preventing rebound to original size
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane structure enables dynamic parameter adjustment in the fastening system. As temperature changes cause thermal expansion, the bolt can shift position along the inclined plane, maintaining appropriate clamping force without causing excessive axial compression that would lead to plastic deformation of the thrust pad
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fastening connection into a dynamic system. The compensation block can move along the inclined plane, allowing the fastening system to adapt dynamically to thermal expansion variations, preventing both excessive compression and loosening that would occur in a fixed connection
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 enhances the tightening torque borne by the thrust pad, maintains a stable connection, and prevents looseness, ensuring the thrust pad remains firmly attached to the carrying member, thereby preventing gearbox failure due to thermal fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The connection structure is able to be clamped between the end cap and the carrying member
Implementation Method 2
Because the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the thrust pad is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the bolt, the thrust pad expands in the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus for connecting a thrust pad to a carrying member. The thrust pad is provided with a first recess and a communication hole communicating with the first recess. The carrying member is provided with a threaded hole. The aperture of the communication hole is greater than the aperture of the threaded hole. The fastening apparatus includes a bolt and a connection structure. An end cap of the bolt is disposed in the first recess. A screw of the bolt passes through the connection structure and is threaded into the threaded hole. The connection structure is able to be clamped between the end cap and the carrying member.