Diagnostic System for Low-speed Bearings

Dipl.-Ing. Michael Oeljeklaus

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

This thesis resolves the current issue of running diagnostics on low-speed bearings and has resulted from urgent industry requirements. The central concept of the design solution is the introduction of a reference element into the sprocket shaft bearing assembly of a chain conveyor used in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. paint shop. Using two pairs of roller bearings each, this reference element is connected to both the shaft as well as the frame. With this design, the reference element can freely rotate, thereby making it possible to run diagnostics on the bearings. Firstly, this design makes it possible to rotate the reference element at a high speed and - just like for high-speed bearings - establish the frequency of the vibrations, determining the level of damage in doing so. Secondly, it makes it possible to identify and measure the resistance when rotating the reference element. This design solution has been successfully patented at a European level. In the course of this thesis, various designs have been developed, one of which has been realised as a prototype and integrated into the conveyor system at the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. paint shop in Mladá Boleslav.

Abstract:

This thesis resolves the current issue of running diagnostics on low-speed bearings and has resulted from urgent industry requirements. The central concept of the design solution is the introduction of a reference element into the sprocket shaft bearing assembly of a chain conveyor used in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. paint shop. Using two pairs of roller bearings each, this reference element is connected to both the shaft as well as the frame. With this design, the reference element can freely rotate, thereby making it possible to run diagnostics on the bearings. Firstly, this design makes it possible to rotate the reference element at a high speed and - just like for high-speed bearings - establish the frequency of the vibrations, determining the level of damage in doing so. Secondly, it makes it possible to identify and measure the resistance when rotating the reference element. This design solution has been successfully patented at a European level. In the course of this thesis, various designs have been developed, one of which has been realised as a prototype and integrated into the conveyor system at the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. paint shop in Mladá Boleslav.

Keywords

low-speed bearings, damage identification, diagnostics of bearings, resistance diagnostics, vibration diagnostics

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 8. 3. 2019

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Ing. Lubomír Pešík, CSc.

Technical University of Liberec

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Doctoral programme / field:
Machines and Equipment / Machine and Equipment Design