Universal Joint Shaft Alignment via Pivot Joint Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optoelectronic alignment devices for determining angular offset between shafts connected via two universal joints and a third shaft are complex, prone to errors, and require dismounting the third shaft, leading to inexact measurements due to large tolerances and complicated handling.
Innovation Solution
A carrier with a pivot joint securely mounted on a clamping device allows for precise attachment of measurement heads, enabling angular offset determination without dismounting the third shaft, using a method that involves multiple measurement positions and pivot joint adjustments to compute the angular offset accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optoelectronic alignment devices are used to determine angular offset, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is segmented into separate functional modules: measurement heads that can be independently positioned on each shaft, and a control unit that processes measurements. This modular approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for angular offset determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement heads are designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring both parallel offset and angular offset using the same hardware components. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If the third shaft is dismounted for measurement, then access to shafts is improved, but measurement reliability decreases due to reinstallation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement procedure is designed to be performed with the third shaft already in place, eliminating the need for dismounting and reinstallation. All necessary measurements are taken in the operational configuration, ensuring reliability by avoiding mechanical handling errors while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If large tolerances are used in device construction, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms that compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the measurement device. By continuously monitoring and adjusting measurements based on reference data and calculated deviations, the system maintains high measurement precision despite variations in device construction tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and calculation methods based on the specific configuration being measured. This adaptability allows the system to maintain precision across a range of manufacturing tolerances by optimizing measurement approaches for each specific setup.
4Measurement precision
If multiple measurement positions are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is designed to continuously acquire data at multiple positions without interrupting the measurement flow. The control unit coordinates sequential measurements at different angular positions, processing data in real-time to maintain continuous useful action and reduce total measurement time while preserving accuracy through multi-position data collection.
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 allows for high-precision determination of angular offset without dismounting the third shaft, reducing errors and inexact measurements, and simplifies the process by enabling accurate alignment and correction of shafts connected via universal joints.
Implementation Method 1
optical alignment devices based on lasers or other light sources and photosensitive detectors
Implementation Method 2
photosensitive detectors (PSD, CCD arrays or CMOS arrays)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring and optionally correcting the angular offset of two shafts which are connected to one another by way of two universal joints and a third shaft calls for the measurement heads of an optoelectronic alignment device to be adjustably arranged on the shafts by means of at least one pivot joint on one of the clamping devices, with an adjustment capacity involves matching of the orientation of the measurement heads of the optoelectronic alignment device on the shafts in at least two measurement positions by adjusting the pivot joint.