Laser Alignment System Arrangement for Shaft Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining misalignment between two shafts connected by a coupling face challenges due to structural obstacles, which restrict complete rotation and require complex device mounting, leading to incomplete alignment measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method for arranging a laser alignment system by connecting the first device to a connecting element on one shaft and the second device to a connecting element on the other shaft, allowing for predetermined positions between the coupling flanges where the devices are spaced from the coupling, enabling continuous rotational movement and precise misalignment measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the laser alignment system is mounted directly on the coupling flanges to enable complete rotation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to complex connection requirements and loosening procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment measurement precisionVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces connecting elements as intermediary components that simplify the connection between the laser alignment system and the shafts. These connecting elements can be easily attached to the shafts and provide standardized mounting points, eliminating the need for complex loosening and tightening procedures while maintaining the ability to achieve complete rotation for precise misalignment measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the laser alignment system is positioned close to the coupling to simplify mounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to structural obstacles limiting complete rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidmeasurement completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the laser alignment system into separate components that can be independently positioned on each shaft. This segmentation allows the system to be mounted in locations that facilitate complete rotation, avoiding structural obstacles while maintaining ease of operation through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the shafts are rotated through large angles for precise misalignment determination, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to obstacles preventing complete rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment determination precisionVSAvoidrotation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary positioning actions where the connecting elements are pre-configured on the shafts to ensure unobstructed rotation paths. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to manually overcome obstacles during rotation, allowing smooth complete rotation for precise misalignment determination while maintaining ease of operation

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 simplifies the arrangement of the laser alignment system, allows for complete rotation of the shafts, and provides accurate misalignment determination without direct contact with the coupling, enhancing measurement reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a second device (2), in particular a laser light source (2), which can be connected to the second connecting element (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a first device (1), in particular a laser light detection device (1), with which the misalignment can be determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3278060B1Method for arranging a laser alignment system on a device having two shafts connected to each other by means of a coupling
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 PRUEFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH GMBH
  • EP3278060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3278060B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for arranging a laser alignment system (16), comprising a first apparatus (1) and a second apparatus (2), on a device (3) having two shafts (5, 6) connected to each other by means of a coupling (4), wherein the method comprises the following steps: (A) connecting the first apparatus (1) to a first connecting element (9) of a first shaft (5) in order to arrange the first apparatus (1) in a specified position between two connecting flanges (7, 8) of the coupling (4), in which position the first apparatus (1) is spaced apart from the coupling (4), and (B) connecting the second apparatus (2) to a second connecting element (10) of the second shaft (6) in order to arrange the second apparatus (2) in a specified position between the two connecting flanges (7, 8) of the coupling (4), in which position the second apparatus (2) is spaced apart from the coupling (4). The invention further relates to a laser alignment system (16), comprising a first apparatus (1) and a second apparatus (2).