Tool Rotator Bearing Layout for Compact Axial Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotators for jib-carried tools are bulky and lack protection for electrical and mechanical components, limiting their compactness and ability to handle heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A rotator design featuring a stator, rotor with a radial bearing, a separate bearing outside the rotor to carry external loads, and an electrical swivel and/or angle meter arranged inside the rotor, with components aligned along the axis of rotation to minimize axial extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional rotator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the axial extension is large and protection of electrical components is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical swivel and angle meter are arranged inside the rotor, nesting sensitive components within the protected rotor volume. This internal arrangement reduces the overall axial extension while providing mechanical protection for electrical components against environmental factors and mechanical impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement transitions from a conventional single-bearing design to a dual-bearing configuration where the first bearing handles radial loads and the second bearing handles axial loads. This dimensional separation of load paths allows compact axial packaging while maintaining structural integrity and component protection.
2Force
If conventional bearing arrangement is used, then the structure is compact, but the ability to carry heavy external loads is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into two specialized bearings: a radial bearing for handling radial loads and an axial bearing for handling axial loads. This segmentation allows each bearing to be optimized for its specific load type, significantly increasing the overall external load capacity without proportionally increasing axial extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the electrical swivel and angle meter for sensing and power transmission, supports the radial bearing for radial load capacity, and supports the axial bearing for axial load capacity. This multi-functionality achieves high load capacity within a compact axial footprint.
3Reliability
If electrical swivel and angle meter are arranged outside the rotor, then maintenance is easier, but protection from mechanical impact is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical swivel and angle meter are nested inside the rotor, which provides mechanical protection against impact and environmental factors. The rotor acts as a protective enclosure while still allowing these components to perform their sensing and power transmission functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves as a protective shell enclosing the electrical components. This shell provides mechanical protection while maintaining the functional integrity of the internal components, balancing protection with eventual serviceability through appropriate access points or removable sections.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotator (100) for a tool (200). The rotator (100) comprises a stator (102) and a rotor (104) rotatably arranged inside the stator (102). The rotor (104) comprises a radial bearing (122) having a first axial extension (a1) in the rotator (100). The rotator (100) comprises a separate bearing (112) arranged radially outside the rotor (104). The separate bearing (112) is configured to carry an external load of the rotator (100). The rotator (100) further comprises an electrical swivel (108) and/or an angle meter (116) arranged inside the rotor (102), and the electrical swivel (108) and/or the angle meter (116) at least partially extends axially in the first axial extension (a1) in the rotator (100). Thereby, a compact rotator design is provided.