Rotating Assembly Runout Testing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing axial runout in rotating machinery are time-consuming and expensive, often resulting in insufficient alignment due to the lack of standardized alignment tolerances and the misconception that flexible couplings can compensate for misalignment without affecting other components.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus comprising a measurement device and a runout evaluator that measures the distance to surfaces and determines the rotational position of components to minimize runout by analyzing the magnitude and phase of runouts in rotating assemblies, using a combination of measurement devices, circuitry, and computer-readable media to calculate optimal alignment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible couplings are used to compensate for misalignment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to insufficient alignment and increased runout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical measurement system. The runout evaluator uses measurement devices to capture runout data and automatically calculates optimal alignment positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual machining and diagnostic procedures while achieving precise alignment that flexible couplings cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from compensating for misalignment through flexible coupling selection to actively measuring and correcting runout parameters. By determining the magnitude and phase of runout and calculating optimal rotational positions, the system transforms the alignment problem from a mechanical compensation approach to a precision measurement and adjustment approach
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment procedures are performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming machining and diagnostic procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment procedures with an automated evaluation system that uses measurement devices and computer-based calculations. The runout evaluator automatically processes runout data and determines optimal alignment positions, eliminating time-consuming manual machining and diagnostic steps while maintaining or improving alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and evaluation of runout conditions before final assembly or adjustment. By capturing runout data and calculating optimal positions in advance, the system prevents the need for iterative trial-and-error alignment procedures, significantly reducing the time required to achieve proper alignment
3Measurement precision
If multiple components are measured and analyzed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to combination of measurement devices and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement devices and their associated circuitry into a single integrated runout evaluator system. The evaluator consolidates data from various measurement sources, processes the runout information through unified algorithms, and produces comprehensive alignment recommendations, reducing the operational complexity despite the sophisticated measurement capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A testing apparatus for minimizing runout of a rotating assembly includes a measurement device and a runout evaluator. The measurement device measures a distance to a surface. The runout evaluator obtains a first runout of a surface of a first member of the rotating assembly from the measurement device. The first runout has a magnitude and a phase. The runout evaluator obtains a second runout of a surface of a second member of the rotating assembly from the measurement device. The second runout has a magnitude and a phase. The runout evaluator determines a rotational position of the first member relative to the second member which results in a reduced runout of the rotating assembly. The determination of the rotational position is based on the magnitude and the phase of the first runout and the magnitude and the phase of the second runout.