Dynamic Balancing of Rotating Mobile Bodies in Scientific Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical precision devices face challenges in maintaining precision and reducing wear due to defects in guidance systems and bearing surfaces, leading to mediocre precision and performance degradation over time, despite static balancing efforts, which are influenced by inertia-related disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamic balancing of mobile components in scientific instruments and timepieces, involving static balancing to align the center of gravity with the axis of rotation, followed by dynamic balancing to adjust the unbalance moment within predetermined tolerances, using techniques such as material addition or removal, deformation of flanges, and adjustment of masses to minimize unbalance and maximize precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If static balancing is performed to align the center of gravity with the axis of rotation, then the center of gravity alignment is improved, but inertia defects still cause significant disturbances and wear over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter of gravity alignmentVSAvoidservice life and wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing dynamic balancing during the manufacturing process to pre-correct inertia defects before the mechanism enters service. This involves measuring inertia properties and adjusting mass distribution in advance, so that when the mechanism operates, the bearing surfaces are already optimized for minimal wear and disturbance, rather than relying solely on static balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by transitioning from static balancing (position-only) to dynamic balancing (mass distribution and inertia properties). This involves adjusting mass parameters and their spatial distribution to correct moment of inertia defects, thereby improving both center of gravity alignment and rotational dynamics to reduce wear and extend service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If geometric quality of machining is improved to enhance precision operation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but vibrations and unbalance still directly influence pressures on bearings and lubrication constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric quality of machiningVSAvoidvibrations and unbalance effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effects of vibrations and unbalance into beneficial information by measuring the inertia properties during manufacturing. These measurements reveal the actual dynamic behavior of the component, allowing precise adjustment of mass distribution to eliminate the harmful vibrations and unbalance, thereby transforming the problem into a solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the inertia properties (moments of inertia) of the component during the manufacturing process and using this information to guide adjustments to mass distribution. This closed-loop approach ensures that the final product has optimized dynamic characteristics, reducing vibrations and unbalance effects on bearings during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If dynamic balancing is performed to bring the main axis of inertia on the axis of rotation, then operating precision is improved, but the complexity of the balancing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating precisionVSAvoidbalancing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the complex dynamic balancing process during manufacturing rather than in the field. This involves measuring inertia properties and adjusting mass distribution while the component is still being produced, so that the complexity is managed in a controlled manufacturing environment rather than requiring complex field adjustments later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces friction, enhances operating precision, increases rotation speeds, and extends the service life of mechanisms by minimizing wear and maintaining reproducible responses to inputs, thereby improving the stability and longevity of precision mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a static balancing of this mobile or equipped mobile is carried out to bring its centre of gravity on the axis of the mobile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic balancing: Balance

Implementation Method 2

a dynamic balancing of this mobile or equipped mobile is carried out to bring its moment of inertia about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the mobile and passing through its centre of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic balancing: Balance

Implementation Method 3

an adjustment is made to the value of the moment of unbalance resulting from the moving part around the moving part axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia adjustment: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP2607970B1Method for improving the pivoting of a mobile device
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP2607970B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2F
  • EP2607970B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5
  • EP2607970B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The method involves statically balancing a mobile body (1) so as to bring the center of gravity onto an axis (D), and determining a target value for a resulting imbalance moment of the mobile body about the axis. The mobile body is rotated about the axis of the mobile body at a predetermined speed, and the resulting imbalance moment of the mobile body relative to the axis is measured. A value of the imbalance moment of the mobile body about the axis is adjusted to within a given predetermined tolerance relative to the target value. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a mobile body for a scientific instrument (2) a mobile assembly for a scientific instrument.