Integrated Spring Centering Element for Balancing Device Concentricity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balancing or measuring devices face issues with concentricity and reliable positioning due to the complexity and number of separate parts involved in the centering mechanism, leading to manufacturing and assembly challenges and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece spring arrangement integrated with the centering element eliminates relative movements and inaccuracies, allowing for automatic return to the starting position during clamping and reducing the need for manual positioning, while using a rolling element sleeve with openings for a cost-effective and simplified design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate compression springs are used to preload the ball cage, then the ball cage can accommodate axial movement of the coupling shaft, but the number of individual parts increases leading to concentricity problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of axial movementVSAvoidnumber of individual parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate compression springs into a single integrated spring assembly that is formed as one piece with the centering element. This merging of components reduces the total number of individual parts while maintaining the functionality to accommodate axial movement of the coupling shaft through the compressible spring arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it preloads the rolling element cage, accommodates axial movement of the coupling shaft, and maintains concentricity of the centering element. By integrating these functions into a single component rather than using separate parts, the device achieves versatility without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate compression springs are used to preload the ball cage, then the ball cage can accommodate axial movement, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of axial movementVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly is formed integrally with the centering element as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple compression springs. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate axial movement through the compressible spring structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the centering element has movable parts, then it can accommodate axial movement, but relative movements cause concentricity inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of axial movementVSAvoidconcentricity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring assembly is formed as one piece with the centering element, creating a rigid connection that prevents relative movements between the centering element and the spring assembly. This integration ensures that the centering element maintains accurate concentricity while the spring assembly accommodates axial movement of the coupling shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures high concentricity and reduced manufacturing and assembly costs, with improved operational efficiency and adaptability to different clutch shafts through a simplified design that maintains accurate positioning without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a centering element (6), coaxial with the axis of rotation (1), inserted into a receiving opening (3) of the base body (2) for concentric centering of the component (5) within the receiving opening (3) of the base body (2)... a bushing-shaped rolling element cage (7) with several rolling elements (8), which are rotatably mounted in the rolling element cage (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The spring arrangement is formed in a manufacturing-simple and cost-effective manner by a lower part of the rolling element cage with openings. These openings allow the lower part of the rolling element cage to be compressed, and it returns to its original shape when the pressure is released.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2882553B1Balancing or measuring device

Publication Date: 2019.03.27 FRANZ HAIMER MASCHINENBAU KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a balancing or measuring device comprising a main body (2) which is rotatable about an axis (1) and includes an opening (3) for accommodating a coupling shaft (4) of a component (5) to be balanced or measured, and comprising a centering element (6) which can be axially displaced within the main body (2) against a spring arrangement (11, 12) to center the component (5) in the main body (2). In order to ensure maximum concentricity also in a balancing or measuring device comprising a small number of parts, the spring arrangement (11, 12) is designed to be integral with the centering element (6).