Rotating shaft balance structure based on topological optimization

By optimizing the design of the outer ring of the rotating shaft balance to form a hollow structure, the measurement error problem of the rotating shaft balance at high speed was solved, and higher measurement accuracy and accurate acquisition of propeller aerodynamic performance were achieved.

CN122016226APending Publication Date: 2026-05-12CHINA ACAD OF AEROSPACE AERODYNAMICS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA ACAD OF AEROSPACE AERODYNAMICS
Filing Date
2026-01-29
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When existing rotary shaft balances rotate at high speeds, centrifugal force increases the stiffness of the measuring beam, resulting in a large thrust measurement error and affecting the accuracy of propeller aerodynamic performance measurement.

Method used

The rotating shaft balance structure adopts a topology optimization design. The outer ring is a hollow structure, which is connected by a support unit and a measuring beam to reduce the mass of the outer ring and reduce the impact of centrifugal force on stiffness.

Benefits of technology

While ensuring rigidity, the measurement accuracy of the rotating shaft balance is significantly improved, and the resistance measurement error during high-speed rotation is reduced.

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Abstract

The invention provides a rotating shaft balance structure based on topological optimization, the rotating shaft balance structure comprises an inner ring, measuring beams and an outer ring, the inner ring is provided with a key hole, and the inner ring and the outer ring are connected through a plurality of groups of measuring beams; a strain gauge is attached to the measuring beam and can sense deformation of the measuring beam, and six-component aerodynamic force borne by a measured object is converted into an electric signal to be output. The outer ring is of a hollow structure composed of beams with irregular surfaces and holes, and a plurality of mounting holes used for being connected with a tested device are formed in the outer ring in the circumferential direction. A topological optimization design is adopted for the outer ring of the rotating shaft balance to form a hollow structure consisting of beams and holes with irregular surfaces, so that the rotating shaft balance greatly reduces the mass of the outer ring while ensuring the design rigidity, and solves the problem that the resistance measurement error is relatively large due to rigidity hardening of a measurement beam caused by centrifugal force during high-speed rotation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind tunnel test measurement balance technology, and in particular to a rotating shaft balance structure based on topology optimization. Background Technology

[0002] Propeller (fan) propulsion systems are commonly used in the design of various aircraft and largely determine their performance. To maximize propeller performance, it is necessary to accurately obtain the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of the propfan, which also provides a basis for its rational installation layout on the aircraft. The classic method for measuring propeller aerodynamics involves directly mounting a propeller model with the driving force onto an external strain balance. However, this method cannot distinguish the mutual interference between the propeller and the supporting structure, fuselage, and wings, and therefore cannot obtain the true aerodynamic characteristics and propulsion efficiency of the propeller.

[0003] To overcome the limitations and low accuracy of external propeller balances, foreign research institutions have gradually developed Rotating Shaft Balance (RSB) technology. By directly mounting the balance on the shaft between the propeller and the power system, the true aerodynamic performance of the propeller can be obtained by measuring only the aerodynamic load on the propeller. However, this measurement method still has problems: during measurement, the balance and propeller rotate synchronously at high speed. Because the outer ring of the balance experiences greater centrifugal force than the inner ring, the measuring beam is subjected to tensile stress. The centrifugal force increases the stiffness of the measuring beam, reducing the S-shaped deformation in thrust measurement. The measurement of the thrust component is affected by a centrifugal force effect of approximately 3%-10%FS, impacting measurement accuracy. Therefore, how to further improve the measurement accuracy of the rotating shaft balance for propeller aerodynamic performance remains a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a topology-optimized rotating shaft balance structure to solve technical problems such as propeller (fan) operating condition simulation and propeller (fan) aerodynamic performance measurement under wind tunnel scaled-down test conditions, and to achieve accurate acquisition of propeller (fan) aerodynamic performance and propulsion efficiency.

[0005] In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides a topology-optimized rotating shaft balance structure, comprising an inner ring, a measuring beam, and an outer ring. The inner ring has a keyhole, and the inner ring and the outer ring are connected by multiple sets of measuring beams. Strain gauges are attached to the measuring beams to sense their deformation and convert the six-component aerodynamic force acting on the measured object into an electrical signal output. The outer ring is a hollow structure composed of irregularly shaped beams and holes, and multiple mounting holes are arranged circumferentially on the outer ring for connecting to the measured device.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer ring includes a plurality of support units evenly arranged circumferentially along the inner ring, the mounting holes are opened between adjacent support units, the support unit includes a connecting part, and outer optimization beams and inner optimization beams are symmetrically provided on both sides of the connecting part, and a support beam connects the corresponding outer optimization beams and inner optimization beams.

[0007] Furthermore, the overall structure of the outer ring is symmetrical about the center of the balance axis.

[0008] Furthermore, the measuring beams are arranged in four groups along the circumference of the inner ring, each group including two measuring beams arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner ring, and the connecting part in the support unit is fixed between the two measuring beams.

[0009] Furthermore, the measuring beams are arranged in four groups along the circumference of the inner ring, each group including a measuring beam spaced apart along the axial direction of the inner ring.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer ring has four mounting holes, and mounting holes are provided between each pair of adjacent support units. The mounting holes and support units are arranged alternately to form a circular structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer ring has two mounting holes.

[0012] Furthermore, the balance is symmetrically provided with two sets of integrally formed support units on both sides.

[0013] The technical solution of this invention adopts a topology optimization design for the outer ring of the rotating shaft balance to form a hollow structure composed of irregular beams and holes. This allows the rotating shaft balance to greatly reduce the mass of the outer ring while ensuring the design stiffness, thus solving the problem of stiffness hardening of the measuring beam caused by centrifugal force during high-speed rotation, which leads to a large error in resistance measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is an isometric side view of the rotating shaft balance of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view of the rotating shaft balance structure of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an isometric side view of the outer ring of the balance based on topology optimization design according to the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Inner ring, 2-Measuring beam, 3-Outer ring, 31-Connection to measuring beam, 32-Outer optimization beam, 33-Support beam, 34-Inner optimization beam, 35-Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] like Figures 1-3As shown, this invention provides a topology-optimized rotating shaft balance structure, including an inner ring 1, a measuring beam 2, and an outer ring 3. The inner ring 1 has a keyhole for connection to a power output shaft. The outer ring 3 is a hollow structure composed of irregularly shaped beams and holes. Multiple mounting holes 35 are arranged circumferentially on the outer ring 3 for connection to the propeller (fan) under test. The inner ring 1 and outer ring 3 are rigidly connected by the measuring beam 2. Strain gauges are attached to the measuring beam 2 to sense its deformation, converting the six-component aerodynamic force on the tested device into an electrical signal output.

[0022] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The outer ring 3, obtained by topology optimization design, includes multiple support units evenly arranged circumferentially along the inner ring 1. Two sets of support units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the balance, and the two sets of support units are integrally formed. Specifically, two outer optimization beams 32 and two inner optimization beams 34 are respectively provided on both sides of the connecting part 31. Each connecting part 31 corresponds to four outer optimization beams 32 and two inner optimization beams 34. Mounting holes 35 are opened between adjacent support units. Each support unit includes a connecting part 31, with outer optimization beams 32 and inner optimization beams 34 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting part 31. Support beams 33 connect the corresponding outer optimization beams 32 and inner optimization beams 34. The connecting part 31 is directly fixed to the measuring beam 2. The outer optimization beams 32, inner optimization beams 34, and support beams 33 form a support structure, which connects the mounting holes 35 on both sides. The outer ring 3 is designed to minimize mass while ensuring overall rigidity.

[0023] During measurement, the inner ring 1 is splined onto the power output shaft, causing the entire balance to rotate synchronously with the output shaft. The outer ring 3 is fixed to the propeller (fan) being measured, and the propeller (fan) rotates synchronously with the balance. The inner ring 1 and the outer ring 3 are connected by a measuring beam 2. When the propeller (fan) is subjected to force, the measuring beam 2 deforms. The strain gauge and measuring circuit convert the six-component aerodynamic force into an electrical signal output. When the balance itself rotates at high speed, the measuring beam 2 is affected by centrifugal force, and its stiffness characteristics change. Due to the minimized mass design of the outer ring 3, the influence of centrifugal force on stiffness characteristics is minimized to the greatest extent, and the measurement accuracy is greatly improved.

[0024] In this embodiment, the outer ring 3 is symmetrical about the center of the balance axis. The rotating balance has a ring-shaped "spoke" structure. Four sets of measuring beams 2 are arranged circumferentially along the inner ring 1. Each set includes two measuring beams 2 spaced apart axially along the inner ring 1. The connecting part 31 in the support unit is fixed between the two measuring beams 2. There are four mounting holes 35 on the outer ring 3, evenly distributed at 45° intervals from the measuring beams 2. The mounting holes 35 and the support units are arranged alternately to form a ring structure. The number of mounting holes 35 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs. When the number of mounting holes 35 is increased, the number of support units needs to be increased accordingly. When the number of mounting holes 35 is decreased, the number of support units is still arranged in four sets circumferentially. For example, when two mounting holes are provided, the two obliquely symmetrical mounting holes 35 can be removed.

[0025] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that: four sets of measuring beams 2 are arranged along the circumference of the inner ring 1. While ensuring the support strength, each set is provided with one measuring beam 2, and the measuring beam 2 is connected to the axial middle position of the connecting part 31.

[0026] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization, characterized in that, It includes an inner ring, a measuring beam, and an outer ring. The inner ring has a keyhole, and the inner ring and the outer ring are connected by multiple sets of measuring beams. Strain gauges are attached to the measuring beams to sense the deformation of the measuring beams and convert the six-component aerodynamic force on the measured object into an electrical signal output. The outer ring is a hollow structure composed of irregularly shaped beams and holes, and multiple mounting holes are arranged circumferentially on the outer ring for connecting with the measured device.

2. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring includes a plurality of support units evenly arranged along the circumference of the inner ring. The mounting holes are opened between adjacent support units. Each support unit includes a connecting part. An outer optimization beam and an inner optimization beam are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting part. A support beam connects the corresponding outer optimization beam and inner optimization beam.

3. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overall structure of the outer ring is symmetrical about the center of the balance axis.

4. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measuring beams are arranged in four groups along the circumference of the inner ring. Each group includes two measuring beams arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the inner ring. The connecting part in the support unit is fixed between the two measuring beams.

5. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measuring beams are arranged in four groups along the circumference of the inner ring, and each group includes a measuring beam spaced apart along the axial direction of the inner ring.

6. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The outer ring has four mounting holes, and there are mounting holes between each pair of adjacent support units. The mounting holes and support units are arranged alternately to form a circular structure.

7. The topology-optimized rotating axis balance structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The outer ring has two mounting holes.

8. The rotating axis balance structure based on topology optimization according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The two sides of the connecting part are respectively provided with two outer optimization beams and two inner optimization beams.