Balancing Device Additional Bearing Spindle Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern balancing machines are susceptible to damage from impact and overload, particularly when handling heavier test specimens, due to the stiffness of their bearing systems, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A spindle unit is anchored in a pendulum manner on the machine base with a holder suspension that includes additional bearings allowing pivoting movement, reducing the effect of weight-related forces and minimizing frictional impacts on measurement accuracy, featuring a self-aligning bearing system with integrated sensors and spring elements for improved robustness and ease of replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spindle unit is suspended using stiff leaf springs in the vertical direction, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to impact and overload damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into multiple independent bearings (first bearing for vertical support, second bearing for horizontal support, third bearing for additional vertical support). This segmentation allows each bearing to handle specific force directions independently, preventing overload on any single component while maintaining measurement precision through the coordinated action of multiple bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the bearing system by adding more bearings with specific geometric arrangements and load capacities. This parameter change transforms the system from a single-point suspension to a multi-point support system that can accommodate heavier test specimens without compromising measurement precision or increasing susceptibility to impact.
2Reliability
If additional bearings are added to support the spindle unit, then the robustness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each additional bearing is designed to serve multiple functions: the first bearing provides vertical support and defines rest position, the second bearing provides horizontal support and reduces transverse forces on sensors, and the third bearing provides additional vertical support for heavier specimens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional bearings act as intermediaries between the spindle unit and the machine base, distributing loads and reducing direct impacts on the measurement system. These intermediary bearings protect the sensitive measurement components from overload while maintaining the necessary mobility for accurate imbalance detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing system is made more flexible to handle heavier specimens, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into multiple independent bearings that can be selectively engaged. The first, second, and third bearings work together to support varying loads, allowing the system to adapt to heavier test specimens while maintaining measurement accuracy through the distributed support architecture that prevents excessive flexibility in any single direction.
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
The solution enhances the robustness of the balancing machine, allowing it to handle heavier test specimens without significant mobility restrictions, maintaining accurate imbalance measurements and simplifying maintenance by forming a replaceable cartridge unit that isolates faults in the bearing and sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
Apart from negligible frictional forces, this can essentially only transmit forces in the direction of a normal to the measuring direction
Implementation Method 2
it allows the spindle unit to vibrate in a predetermined measuring direction as a result of the imbalance forces occurring during the measuring operation
Implementation Method 3
the imbalance is determined directly on the spindle unit - the instantaneous forces occurring on the spindle unit in a specific direction are recorded by a suitable sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring the rotational imbalance of a specimen, comprising a spindle unit 7 having a spindle 11 that is intended to hold the specimen 17 and to allow said specimen to rotate at a testing speed, and a holder suspension 49 by means of which the spindle unit 7 is anchored to the machine base 1 in a pendulum fashion, such that the spindle unit 7 can be moved back and forth in a specified measurement direction M by the imbalance forces occurring during the measurement operation, and a sensor arrangement 61 that captures at least one imbalance parameter occurring in the measurement direction M during rotation of the spindle 11, wherein the spindle unit 7 is supported by at least one additional bearing 73, 75, 77; 79; 89, 91, 101 that can solely transfer forces in the direction of a normal N to the measurement direction M.