Ball Transfer Unit Shaker Positioner for Aircraft Vibration Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning and alignment of electrodynamic shakers on aircraft during ground vibration testing is time-consuming, ergonomically unfriendly, and risks damage to the aircraft and surroundings due to their weight and the need for brute force handling.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft shaker system utilizing a base plate with rollable ball transfer units and a support plate with an electrodynamic shaker mounted on a trunnion, allowing precise alignment and secure positioning without precision components, tolerant of environmental contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional brute force positioning method is used, then the shaker can be positioned on the platform, but the positioning process is time-consuming and ergonomically unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning mechanism with rolling elements (ball transfer units) is introduced as an intermediary between the shaker base and the platform. This mechanism mediates the positioning process by converting difficult manual positioning into easy rolling motion, resolving the contradiction between positioning speed and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism uses multiple ball transfer units distributed across the base, providing more positioning capability than strictly necessary. This excessive action ensures smooth positioning while reducing manual effort, addressing both productivity and ease of operation requirements.
2Productivity
If brute force handling is used to position the shaker, then the shaker can be placed on the platform, but there is risk of damage to the aircraft and surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling ball transfer units act as an intermediary mechanism that eliminates direct brute force contact between the shaker and the platform/aircraft. This intermediary system protects the aircraft and surroundings from damage while maintaining efficient positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism with rolling elements provides a cushioning effect during the positioning process, preventing sudden impacts or drops that could cause damage. This prior cushioning approach reduces damage risk while maintaining positioning efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the shaker is positioned via hammer fine-tuning, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the process remains time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical hammer-tapping method is replaced with a rolling-based positioning mechanism. The ball transfer units enable precise alignment through controlled rolling motion, achieving the same alignment precision while dramatically reducing the time required for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system transitions from static hammer adjustments to dynamic rolling motion. The ability to roll the shaker into position provides continuous, smooth adjustment capability that achieves precise alignment faster than discrete hammer taps.
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 system reduces setup time, minimizes risk of damage, and enhances safety by enabling quick and precise positioning of the shaker system, reducing manpower and potential for foreign object damage, while maintaining accuracy and safety in testing.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate includes a plurality of holes bored therethrough and a plurality of ball transfer units disposed therein. The plurality of ball transfer units are coupled to the base plate via the holes and configured to roll.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples disclosed herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for the positioning and alignment of an electrodynamic shaker system relative to an excitation point on a structure to be tested. The electrodynamic shaker system includes a base plate, a support plate, and a locking mechanism. The base plate comprises a plurality of rollable ball transfer units coupled to the base plate. The support plate, supporting an electrodynamic shaker and trunnion thereon, is seated on the ball transfer units of the base plate such that the support plate may be aligned relative to the test article via the ball transfer units. Once the electrodynamic shaker system is in the desired location, a flexure of the electrodynamic shaker may be precisely aligned with and coupled to a test article. The electrodynamic shaker system disclosed utilizes no precision components and is tolerant of dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants typically present in testing locations.