20240011765. METHOD OF DETERMINING RADIAL PLAY IN A BEARING ARRANGEMENT simplified abstract (Vestas Wind Systems A/S)

METHOD OF DETERMINING RADIAL PLAY IN A BEARING ARRANGEMENT

Organization Name

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor(s)

Borja Fernandez Garcia of Aarhus (ES)

METHOD OF DETERMINING RADIAL PLAY IN A BEARING ARRANGEMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240011765 titled 'METHOD OF DETERMINING RADIAL PLAY IN A BEARING ARRANGEMENT

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for determining the radial play of a bearing arrangement in a wind turbine component. The method involves capturing images of the bearing arrangement in different relative positions, applying a radially-directed load to move the components, and comparing the images to quantify the difference in positions and determine the radial play.

• The method involves capturing images of a bearing arrangement in different positions and comparing them to determine the radial play.
• A radially-directed load is applied to move the components of the bearing arrangement.
• The difference between the positions of the components in the images is quantified to determine the radial play.
• This method can be used in wind turbine components to assess the radial play of bearing arrangements.
• The method provides a simple and effective way to measure the radial play without disassembling the bearing arrangement.
• The method can be easily implemented using imaging technology and load application devices.
• The quantified radial play can be used to assess the performance and reliability of the bearing arrangement.
• This method can help in identifying potential issues or failures in the bearing arrangement before they cause significant damage.
• The method can be applied to various types of bearing arrangements in wind turbines or other applications.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Wind turbine industry: This method can be used to assess the radial play of bearing arrangements in wind turbine components, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability.
• Industrial machinery: The method can be applied to bearing arrangements in various industrial machinery to monitor their radial play and detect any potential issues.
• Automotive industry: This technology can be utilized in the automotive industry to evaluate the radial play of bearing arrangements in vehicle components, improving their performance and longevity.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Accurate measurement: The method provides a precise and non-destructive way to measure the radial play of bearing arrangements without disassembling them.
• Early detection of issues: By quantifying the radial play, potential problems or failures in the bearing arrangement can be identified early, allowing for timely maintenance or replacement.
• Improved reliability: Assessing the radial play helps ensure that the bearing arrangement is functioning within the desired specifications, enhancing the overall reliability and performance of the component.

Benefits of this technology:

• Cost-effective: The method eliminates the need for disassembling the bearing arrangement, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
• Time-saving: The non-destructive nature of the method allows for quick assessment of the radial play, saving time in the inspection process.
• Enhanced performance: By accurately measuring and maintaining the radial play, the bearing arrangement can operate at its optimal level, improving the overall performance of the component.
• Increased reliability: Identifying and addressing potential issues early on helps prevent unexpected failures and improves the reliability of the bearing arrangement.

Original Abstract Submitted

a method for determining radial play of a bearing arrangement in a wind turbine component, the bearing arrangement comprising a first component and a second component, which are movable relative to one another in a radial direction. the method comprises: capturing a first image of the bearing arrangement, the first image including the first and second components in a first relative position; applying a radially-directed load to the bearing arrangement to move the first component radially with respect to the second component by a distance that defines the radial play of the bearing arrangement so that the first and second components are in a second relative position; capturing a second image of the bearing arrangement, the second image including the first and second components in the second relative position; and comparing the first and second images to quantify the difference between the first relative position of the first and second components and the second relative position of the first and second components, thereby to determine the radial play in the bearing arrangement.