Tapered Spindle Centering for Annular Product Pitch Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TPD measurement devices for rotor positioning bearing units suffer from unreliable positioning due to human intervention and high product runout, necessitating a fully automated solution with improved accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A TPD measurement device comprising a spindle unit with a tapered shaft for precise centering, a mechanical system for fitting load, and automated lifting and extraction units to minimize human intervention and ensure accurate positioning, utilizing a hall effect sensor for magnetic field measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human intervention is used for positioning the annular product, then the device operation is simpler, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The automated positioning system performs positioning operations without human intervention. The spindle unit with tapered shaft automatically centers the annular product, and the lifting unit automatically adjusts the product position, eliminating manual positioning errors while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a spindle unit with motor-driven rotation, a lifting unit with controlled vertical movement, and a mechanical system providing fitting load. This substitution eliminates human intervention while achieving precise automated positioning
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard cylindrical shaft is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to product runout
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical shaft is replaced with a tapered shaft having an asymmetric conical geometry. This asymmetric shape provides self-centering functionality when the annular product is mounted, automatically compensating for minor manufacturing tolerances and reducing product runout during rotation, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances
3Ease of operation
If the product is held loosely on the shaft, then the ease of installation is improved, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to unreliable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered shaft performs preliminary centering action automatically when the annular product is placed on it. The conical geometry guides the product into correct radial alignment before rotation begins, ensuring reliable positioning is established in advance of the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered shaft's asymmetric conical shape creates a self-centering effect that reliably positions the annular product radially during installation. This geometric feature ensures consistent positioning reliability while maintaining ease of installation through automatic centering
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
The solution provides a fully automated TPD measurement with reduced product runout and positioning errors, enhancing measurement reliability and accuracy without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor fixed to the frame and configured to measure a magnetic field signal at a position of the magnetic ring
Implementation Method 2
a spindle shaft comprising a free lower end having a tapered shape configured to be fitted in a bore of the annular product
Data Source
AI summary
A total pitch deviation measurement device that determines a total pitch deviation of an annular product having at least a magnetic ring. The device providing a frame; a pallet conveyor fixed to the frame and designed to support the rotor positioning bearing unit; a spindle unit mounted in translation compared to the frame along a vertical axis, the spindle unit including a spindle shaft, a motor driving the spindle shaft, and an encoder connected to the spindle shaft; the spindle shaft having a free lower end having a tapered shape that fits into a bore of the annular product; a sensor fixed to the frame that measures a magnetic field signal at a position of the magnetic ring and transmits the signal measured to an control unit that determines the total pitch deviation of the annular product. Also, a method for carrying out the function of the intended device.