Turbine Shaft Support with Elastomer Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for connecting a degassing pipe to a turbine shaft with a changing inner diameter cause scratches and potential cracks on the turbine shaft during installation and operation, leading to structural deterioration and risk of rupture.
Innovation Solution
A split support system with elastomer inserts along outer contact spans and dimples to prevent metal/metal contact, combined with a conical socket and nut for radial expansion, ensuring secure and protective assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a split support system is used to connect the degassing pipe to the turbine shaft, then the connection is secured, but scratches and cracks occur on the turbine shaft during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomer insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the split support and the turbine shaft. This elastomer insert acts as a protective mediator that prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby eliminating scratches and cracks on the turbine shaft while maintaining the secure connection function of the support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a purely metallic construction to a composite structure combining metal (split support) with elastomer material (insert). This composite approach leverages the strength of metal for structural integrity and the protective properties of elastomer to prevent shaft deterioration, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and shaft protection.
2Reliability
If the support system is tightly secured to the turbine shaft, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer insert introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection system. During assembly, the elastomer can deform to accommodate insertion; during operation, it maintains reliable connection through elastic recovery; and during disassembly, its flexibility facilitates removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure connection and ease of assembly/disassembly.
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 reduces the risk of turbine shaft deterioration, facilitates faster and safer assembly and disassembly, and extends the lifespan of the turbine shaft by minimizing contact and wear during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the different spans are each bordered by at least one elastomer insert which contributes to the protection of the turbine shaft during insertion of the support therein
Implementation Method 2
a nut intended to exert an axial thrust force on said support by screwing onto the threaded portion of a conical socket, said socket having a conical portion intended to transform the axial thrust into radial expansion of said support
Implementation Method 3
The oils are captured by centrifugal effect to then be re-injected into the compartments of the rolling elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support providing a complete connection between a degassing pipe (3) and a turbine shaft (2), said support including a plurality of outer contact spans (41a) intended to bear on the inner walls of the turbine shaft to secure the degassing pipe with respect thereto, characterized in that the different spans are each bordered by at least one elastomer insert (41g) which contributes to the protection of the turbine shaft during insertion of the support therein.