Tilting Pad Bearing Support Structure for Thermal Gap Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tilting pad bearings in high-speed applications, such as fuel cell compressors, face increased friction due to thermal expansion, which reduces the lubricating gap and compromises their functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design features support elements that allow the pivot axes of the tilting pads to move radially away from the bearing's longitudinal axis during thermal expansion, maintaining the lubricating gap and preventing friction increase by ensuring the support elements are freely movable and connected only at a single point to the bearing mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tilting segments are supported by elastic or spring elements to compensate for thermal expansion, then the thermal expansion of tilting segments is compensated, but the contact force of the tilting segments against the shaft increases, thereby increasing friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal expansion principle by allowing the support elements themselves to expand thermally. This expansion causes the pivot axes to move radially outward, compensating for the thermal expansion of the tilting segments and shaft, thereby maintaining the lubrication gap without increasing contact force
2Temperature
If the tilting segments and shaft expand due to heating during operation, then thermal expansion occurs, but the lubrication gap between the tilting segments and the shaft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion of the support elements to counteract the thermal expansion of the tilting segments and shaft. As the support elements expand with heat, they push the pivot axes radially outward, maintaining the lubrication gap dimension despite the heating of operational components
3Device complexity
If the pivot axis remains on the longitudinal axis during thermal expansion, then the structure remains simple, but the lubrication gap is reduced due to thermal expansion of tilting segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pivot axis position that changes with thermal conditions. The pivot axis is not fixed on the longitudinal axis but is allowed to move radially outward as the support elements expand thermally, dynamically maintaining the lubrication gap while managing thermal effects
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
This design effectively compensates for thermal expansion, maintaining the lubricating gap and reducing friction, thus ensuring the tilting pad bearing's functionality is retained even under elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, the tilting segment bearing heats up, causing the tilting segments and the shaft to expand
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a tilting pad bearing having a plurality of tilting pads (18, 20, 22) which are distributed over the circumference thereof, and each of which are held at least indirectly on a bearing holder (12) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axle (19, 21, 23). Each tilting pad (18, 20, 22) is held on a support element (26, 28, 30; 126, 128, 130) so as to be pivotable about the respective pivot axle (19, 21, 23), and the respective support element (26, 28, 30; 126, 128, 130) is connected, via a connection point (32; 132), to the bearing holder (12) only in the circumference region of the support element which is opposite the pivot axle (19, 21, 23) of the associated tilting pad (16, 18, 20).