Balancing device for a rotating member and associated methods

Abstract

A balancing device (10) including a positionable member (14) associated with a rotating member (12) having an axis (26), wherein the positionable member (14) has a substantially constant mass, and wherein the positionable member (14) is disposed at a first position (14') about the axis (26) of the rotating member (14''). The balancing device (10) also including an actuation device (16) disposed at a distance from the positionable member (14), wherein the actuation device (16) is operable for selectively generating a force, and wherein the force is operable for moving the positionable member (14) from the first position (14') to a second position (14'') about the axis (26) of the rotating member (12), thereby balancing the rotating member (12).

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application 60 / 332,755, filed November 14, 2001, entitled "Balancer for Movable Members," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to the fields of vibration control and power generation / transmission. More particularly, the present invention relates to a balancing device for balancing a rotating member, such as a rotating shaft, such that the rotating member can be balanced without removing the rotating member from its operating environment or system. Background technique [0004] Typically, a rotating member that rotates about an axis must be precisely balanced to function properly. If such a rotating member operates out of balance for any given period of time, as the rotating member rotates, unbalanced forces will be created that will negatively affect the op...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Rebalancing with existing balancing devices is difficult and time consuming because, as mentioned above, the rotating member to be rebalanced must be removed from the operating environment or system in which it is located, which results in a temporary shutdown of the operating environment or system

The difficult and time-consuming nature of rebalancing reduces the number of rotating components that are periodically rebalanced after installation into operating environments or systems, reducing the efficiency of those operating environments or systems

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