Radial Force Roller Assembly for Stable Shaft Contour Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contour measuring instruments face challenges in applying a radial force to shaft-shaped workpieces without causing transverse forces, which can lead to instability and inaccurate measurements, especially during operational testing for material durability and deformability.
Innovation Solution
A radial force device with a clamping body, force introduction roller, counter-rollers, and a coupling device that allows for radial movement and four degrees of freedom, enabling the application of a mechanical radial force to the workpiece while maintaining stability and preventing transverse forces, using a U-shaped clamping body and ball bearings for support and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radial force is applied to the workpiece during measurement, then measurement accuracy under operational load is improved, but workpiece stability deteriorates due to transverse forces pushing the workpiece out of position
Solution Approach 1:
A force introduction roller is introduced as an intermediary element between the radial force device and the workpiece. This roller applies the radial force in a controlled manner while its rotational capability allows it to accommodate workpiece movement without transmitting harmful transverse forces, thus maintaining both measurement accuracy and workpiece stability
Solution Approach 2:
The force introduction roller is designed to be rotatable about its own axis, transforming a static force application into a dynamic one. This rotational degree of freedom allows the roller to self-adjust and follow the workpiece, preventing the buildup of destabilizing transverse forces while maintaining consistent radial loading for accurate measurement
2Force
If the force introduction roller is mounted to be radially movable, then the ability to apply controlled radial force is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism transforms the force introduction roller from a fixed position to a radially movable one, enabling controlled force application. The radial movement capability is achieved through a mounting that allows displacement along the radial direction while constraining other degrees of freedom, providing simple yet effective force control
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the radial movement function to be implemented through a dedicated adjustment mechanism rather than redesigning the entire force application system, thereby controlling complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If counter-rollers are added to support the workpiece, then workpiece stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Counter-rollers are introduced as intermediary support elements between the workpiece and the radial force device. These rollers provide stable support by distributing the load and preventing direct contact that would create friction and instability, while their roller design minimizes complexity compared to alternative support mechanisms
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 precise and stable measurement of workpieces under load, simulating operational forces without pushing the workpiece out of its position, reducing wear on components and allowing for both manual and automated force introduction, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The force introduction roller (120) is designed to apply a mechanical radial force (135) to the workpiece (110)
Implementation Method 2
The counter-roller (125) is mounted in the clamping body (115) and designed to support the workpiece (110) during the application of the force (135)
Implementation Method 3
The force introduction roller can be rotatably mounted parallel to the axis of rotation, also referred to below as the 'C axis', e.g., in a ball bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A radial force device for a contour measuring instrument for measuring a contour of a shaft-shaped workpiece which can be rotated about an axis of rotation. The radial force device has a clamping body, a force introduction roller, at least one counter-roller and a coupling device. The clamping body is shaped for fitting radially around a workpiece portion, received in the contour measuring instrument, of the workpiece. The force introduction roller is designed to apply a mechanical radial force to the workpiece in order to apply a load to the workpiece, wherein the force introduction roller is mounted in a radially movable manner on the clamping body. The counter-roller is mounted in the clamping body and designed to support the workpiece during the application of the force. The coupling device is shaped for coupling the clamping body to the contour measuring instrument.