Rotor Mounting Apparatus with Segmented Connection Member for Unbalance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotor balancing machines face challenges in accurately measuring unbalance due to the need for radial movement and flexibility, which is compromised by current chuck designs that either allow radial movement or restrict axial movement, leading to repeatability issues and limited accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A mounting apparatus with a connection member comprising an outer and inner ring connected by extension members, which prevents radial movement while allowing inclination, enabling secure radial holding and axial flexibility to accurately measure unbalance in rotors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If clearance is provided at each chuck to enable slight radial movement of the rotor, then the rotor can flex to allow unbalance detection, but balance repeatability deteriorates due to inaccurate radial movement measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunbalance detection accuracyVSAvoidbalance repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is segmented into an outer ring, an inner ring, and multiple extension members connecting them. This segmentation allows the structure to prevent radial movement while enabling axial inclination, resolving the contradiction between radial stability and axial flexibility for accurate unbalance measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the chuck, transferring rotational movement while preventing radial movement. This intermediary structure enables accurate unbalance detection by eliminating radial play while maintaining the necessary connection for torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a ball joint is provided between the chuck and drive mechanism to allow articulation, then axial movement is enabled, but radial movement is restricted unless clearance is provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial movement capabilityVSAvoidunbalance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member provides dynamic adaptability by allowing axial inclination through the relative movement capability between the inner and outer rings, while maintaining radial rigidity. This dynamic structure enables the system to adapt to axial movements without compromising radial measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is rigid in the radial direction to prevent radial movement, while being flexible in the axial direction to allow inclination. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between axial adaptability and radial measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the rotor is not permitted to flex, then radial stability is maintained, but unbalance cannot be detected efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial stabilityVSAvoidunbalance detection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member separates the radial and axial dimensions functionally: it maintains rigidity in the radial dimension for stable measurement while enabling flexibility in the axial dimension for rotor flexing. This dimensional separation allows both radial stability and unbalance detection efficiency to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2994735B1Apparatus for driving a rotor
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 UNIVERSAL BALANCING
  • EP2994735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2994735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2994735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

We provide a mounting apparatus for a rotor, including: a first portion for connection to a driving means, for rotation about a first rotational axis; a second portion comprising a mounting assembly adapted for engaging with a portion of the rotor so as to hold the rotor relative thereto, configured for rotation about a second rotational axis; and a connection member connecting the first portion to the second portion so that rotational movement of the first portion effects rotational movement of the second portion about the second rotational axis, wherein the connection member is configured substantially to prevent radial movement of the second portion relative to the first portion, while enabling inclination of the first rotational axis relative to the second rotational axis.