Drive Shaft Balancer With Movable Welding Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drive shaft balancing methods are labor-intensive and inefficient due to fixed welding heads that limit the positioning of weights along the shaft's length and circumference, requiring complex reconfiguration and often resulting in unsatisfactory balancing results.
Innovation Solution
An automated drive shaft balancing apparatus with a dual electrode welding device that can be continuously positioned along the shaft's length, using a computer-controlled system to determine and apply weights dynamically, allowing for precise balancing and simultaneous balancing of both ends of the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed welding heads are used for weight attachment, then the welding position is stable and reproducible, but the positioning flexibility along the shaft's length and circumference is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The welding head is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one that can travel along the shaft's length and rotate to different circumferential positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same welding head to service multiple locations without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed heads, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining operational stability through controlled movement.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of weights is performed, then the operator can adjust weight location precisely, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical positioning operations are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect imbalance conditions and computationally determines optimal weight positions. The system then automatically controls the welding head movement and weight attachment process, eliminating manual labor while maintaining or improving positioning precision through electronic control and feedback mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If multiple standardized weights are used, then the weight selection is simplified, but the balancing precision may be insufficient for complex imbalance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The weight parameter is changed from discrete standardized values to continuous custom-formable dimensions. The system can produce weights with precisely controlled mass and geometric parameters tailored to the specific imbalance conditions detected, allowing optimal balancing accuracy while the automated control system manages the complexity of parameter selection and weight formation.
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
Enables efficient and precise drive shaft balancing by allowing flexible positioning of welding electrodes, reducing setup time and improving balancing accuracy, and adapting to various shaft lengths without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
The weights themselves are generally small rectangular elements having a curvature which matches or approximates the curvature of the outer circumference of the shaft. In the current state of the art an operator either manually positions, or instructs a robotic element to position the necessary weight on the propeller or drive shaft in an appropriate position in relation to the out-of-balance position. The required weights are then secured to the propeller shaft by an automated welding device.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a machine for balancing drive shafts under computer control. Compensatory weights are formed in a weight-forming dye assembly which is coaxially repositionable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. Additionally, the weights formed are transported along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and are secured to the drive shaft utilizing a welding head which is selectively positionable along one side of the length of the drive shaft. Sensors are provided to determine the out-of-balance of the shaft, and an associated computer performs the necessary calculations for determining the appropriate position and mass of the compensatory weight.