Turbocompressor Balancing Device Radial Lever Fixing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancing devices for turbocompressors face challenges in accurately measuring imbalances due to increased vibrating mass, lengthy fixing operations, and uncontrollable axial forces, which reduce measurement sensitivity and introduce unwanted resonances.
Innovation Solution
A balancing device with radially acting cylindrical actuators and lever mechanisms that apply a controllable force parallel to the rotation axis, using elastic elements to minimize the impact on vibrating mass and resonance frequencies, allowing precise imbalance measurement without stiffening the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic actuators or other actuators are used to fix the receptacle to the supporting structure, then the fixing force is well-controlled and parallel to the rotation axis, but the actuators are bulky and increase the oscillating mass, which reduces measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the actuator from the oscillating mass by fixing it to the base structure rather than the vibrating supporting structure. This extracts the source of unwanted mass from the measurement system while preserving the fixing function through the lever mechanism that translates radial actuator motion into axial fixing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever means acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the receptacle. It translates the radial motion of the actuator into axial fixing force on the receptacle, allowing the actuator to be mounted on the base structure while still providing controlled axial fixing force without adding mass to the oscillating system.
2Ease of manufacture
If radial cylindrical actuators with V-shaped blocks are used to fasten the supporting structure to the receptacle, then the fixing is simple, but the system cannot provide a known and controllable axial fastening force due to friction inside the V-shaped block
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a V-shaped block pressed radially to generate axial force (which suffers from friction), the patent inverts the approach by using a lever means that directly translates radial actuator motion into axial fixing force. This eliminates the friction problem by changing the mechanical advantage direction.
3Reliability
If very rigid fixing is used to prevent deformation and detachment of the rotating element and receptacle, then unwanted resonances are prevented, but the fixing operation takes considerable time when performed manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical fixing operation with an automated actuator-driven lever mechanism. The actuator automatically applies the necessary fixing force through the lever means, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring reliable, consistent fixing that prevents deformation and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned and configured in advance to automatically apply the correct fixing force when activated. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the receptacle is installed, the fixing force is immediately and correctly applied without requiring manual adjustment or prolonged fixing operations.
4Force
If actuators are mounted on the vibrating part of the balancing machine to provide fixing forces, then the fixing is well-controlled, but the oscillating mass increases and the vibration mode is modified, reducing measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the oscillating system by mounting it on the base structure rather than the vibrating supporting structure. This removes the source of unwanted mass modification while preserving the fixing function through the lever mechanism that translates radial actuator motion into axial fixing force on the receptacle.
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 accurate and reliable imbalance measurements without affecting the vibrating mass, providing a fast and economically competitive solution that maintains measurement sensitivity and reduces unwanted resonances.
Implementation Method 1
a base structure (2) that supports elastically a supporting structure (3)... the extent of the measured vibration, with equal actual imbalances of the rotating element, depends on the mass and on the moment of inertia of the vibrating part of the balancing machine
Implementation Method 2
actuation means (7) adapted to actuate lever means (8) along a substantially radial direction. The lever means (8) are adapted to generate a force for fixing the receptacle (4) to the flange (6) of the supporting structure, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A balancing device (1), particularly for turbocompressors, comprising a base structure (2) which supports elastically a supporting structure (3) which has a flange (6) for supporting a receptacle (4) of a rotating element (5) and a rotating element (5), wherein the rotating element (5) can move with a rotary motion about its own rotation axis; actuation means (7) being adapted to actuate lever means (8) along a substantially radial direction; the lever means (8) being adapted to generate a force for fixing the receptacle (4) of the rotating element (5) to the supporting flange (6) in a direction that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis.