Turbine Generator Bearing Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing turbine generators face lubricant leakage issues due to pressure differences between the internal and external spaces of the bearings, which can lead to reduced product life and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The turbine generator incorporates communicating portions, such as grooves, in the bearing device to equalize the pressure between the internal and external spaces, preventing lubricant leakage and eliminating the need for vent holes in the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vent holes are drilled in the housing to eliminate pressure differences, then bearing lubricant leakage is prevented, but the housing structure becomes more complex and requires additional machining steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting function into the bearing device itself by forming communicating portions (grooves or holes) directly in the bearing outer ring or shield. This integrates the pressure equalization function with the bearing structure, eliminating the need for separate vent holes in the housing while maintaining lubricant retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the venting function from the housing and relocates it to the bearing device. By forming communicating portions in the bearing outer ring or shield, the pressure equalization function is separated from the housing structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining bearing protection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If non-contact shields are used in bearings to prevent lubricant leakage, then bearing maintenance intervals are extended, but pressure differences between internal and external spaces cause lubricant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the bearing by forming communicating portions that equalize the pressure between the internal and external spaces of the bearing. This pressure equalization prevents the pressure difference that would otherwise force lubricant through the non-contact shield, maintaining both the extended maintenance interval and reliable lubricant retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The communicating portions (grooves or holes) act as intermediary channels that mediate the pressure difference between the internal and external bearing spaces. These channels allow pressure equalization without requiring direct contact between the shield and inner ring, preserving the non-contact shield's effectiveness while preventing lubricant leakage.
3Reliability
If vent holes are formed in the housing, then pressure equalization is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the venting function with the bearing manufacturing process by forming communicating portions directly in the bearing outer ring or shield during bearing fabrication. This integration eliminates the need for separate housing modification steps, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing time while achieving reliable pressure equalization.
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 extends the product life by preventing lubricant leakage and simplifies the construction process, as it allows for easier assembly and reduced wear on the bearings, while maintaining the non-contact shield's effectiveness in preventing lubricant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
communicating portions, such as grooves, in the bearing device to equalize the pressure between the internal and external spaces, preventing lubricant leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine generator includes a bearing device configured to rotatably support a rotor inside a housing. The bearing device separates an internal space of the housing from its outside. Communicating portions are formed in the bearing device. The communicating portions are formed in regions which are out of contact with lubricant. Each communicating portion establishes communication between the internal space of the housing and its outside.