Balancing Annular Parts Using Sensor-Based Unbalance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeronautical bearing cages require precise balancing to minimize vibrations, but existing centering tools are expensive and prone to deforming parts, with limited adaptability and high tolerance errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for balancing annular parts using a rotating balancing plate with sensors and a feeler to measure apparent unbalance and contour, calculating real unbalance by subtracting positioning unbalance from apparent unbalance, and using lightweight plastic clamping means to avoid deformation and additional unbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If expensive precision centering tools are used to support the bearing cage on the balancing plate, then centering error is reduced below 5 μm, but device cost increases significantly and the tools are specific to a given centering diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical centering tools with a measurement-based approach. A sensor measures the actual position of the bearing cage relative to the balancing plate, and a computing device calculates the true unbalance by compensating for positioning errors through mathematical computation, eliminating the need for costly mechanical centering equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element between the bearing cage and the balancing plate. The sensor measures the relative position without requiring precise mechanical contact or specialized centering tools, enabling accurate measurement through intermediate detection rather than direct mechanical precision
2Ease of operation
If traditional centering tools are used to support the bearing cage, then centering is achieved, but the tools tend to deform parts and are limited to specific centering diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical centering tools that physically contact and potentially deform the bearing cage with a non-contact or minimal-contact sensor-based measurement system. The sensor detects position information without requiring forceful mechanical engagement, eliminating deformation risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed mechanical centering for specific diameters to a flexible measurement system that can accommodate different diameters. The sensor and computing device calculate positioning errors and true unbalance for any diameter through parameter measurement and computation rather than mechanical constraint
3Manufacturing precision
If bearing cages are precisely balanced with tight tolerance less than 15 μm, then vibration is minimized for high-speed rotation, but the measurement process becomes highly sensitive to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary measurement device that detects the actual positioning of the bearing cage relative to the balancing plate. This intermediary measurement enables the system to identify and compensate for positioning errors through computational correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor measures positioning errors and the computing device calculates the true unbalance by compensating for these errors. The measured positioning information feeds back into the calculation process to correct the unbalance measurement, ensuring accuracy even with positioning variations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves precise balancing with reduced centering errors and cost-effective, adaptable solutions for aeronautical bearing cages, ensuring low eccentricity and accurate unbalance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
A method for balancing an annular part comprises the following steps: placing the annular part on a balancing plate of a balancing bench, the balancing plate being capable of rotating around a reference axis of the balancing bench; measurement, by the balancing bench and by rotating the balancing plate, of an apparent unbalance of the annular part placed on the balancing plate
Data Source
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AI summary
To balance an annular part (16) the following steps are taken: the annular part (16) is placed on a balancing plate (12) of a balancing bench, the balancing plate (12) being able to rotate around a reference axis (100) of the balancing bench (10); an apparent imbalance of the annular part (16) is measured by the balancing bench; a dimensional measurement of a contour of a reference annular surface of the annular part (16); and a calculation of an actual imbalance of the annular part (16) as a function of the mass of the annular part (16), the measured contour and the apparent imbalance.