Unitized Axial Bearing for Liner Hangers Under Tight Radial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial roller bearings face challenges in transmitting large axial forces during deep well drilling due to limited radial space, particularly in telescoping well liner arrangements, where traditional designs with cages or non-bearing components fail to efficiently utilize the available space for optimal load capacity and reduced parasitic drag.
Innovation Solution
A unitized axial bearing design featuring two washers with circumferential grooves and a sleeve with inwardly directed tabs that radially and axially retain rollers, fabricated from sheet metal or plastic, allowing for increased load capacity and reduced assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cage is used to position rollers circumferentially, then the bearing structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the load capacity is reduced due to fewer rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer and spacer functions are merged into a single integrated component that simultaneously performs both functions. The retainer includes features that both position rollers circumferentially and maintain axial spacing, eliminating the need for separate cage and spacer components. This integration allows for a full-complement design with maximum roller count while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that combines roller positioning, axial spacing, and structural support functions. By making the retainer universal in its capabilities, the bearing achieves full-complement roller packing without requiring multiple separate components, thereby maximizing load capacity while keeping the design simple.
2Strength
If rollers are packed tightly in circumferential space without a cage, then load capacity increases due to more rollers, but parasitic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with varying local properties - open areas where rollers need freedom of movement to minimize drag, and structured features where roller positioning is required. The retainer includes localized support elements that provide guidance only where necessary, allowing rollers to roll freely in other areas, thus reducing parasitic drag while maintaining full-complement roller packing for maximum load capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-bearing components are used to hold bearing components in place, then the bearing can be assembled before positioning, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as an integrated unit that combines roller positioning features, axial spacing, and structural support into a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate non-bearing components like cages, spacers, and retainers, simplifying the overall bearing structure while still enabling pre-assembly of bearing components before final positioning in the liner hangar.
Data Source
AI summary
An axial bearing is designed to work in a liner hangar in which radial package space is at a premium. Rollers axially separate two washers. To hold the bearing together prior to installation, a sleeve radially surrounds the rollers and has tabs which fit into circumferential grooves in the washers. The sleeve may be metal or plastic.