Reproducible Unbalance Measurement on Rotating Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring unbalance in rotating components with variable unbalance behavior, such as centrifugal pendulums, are complex and not highly reproducible, leading to inconsistent and difficult-to-obtain accurate results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device and method that uses a direct drive with a measuring spindle to simulate operating conditions by exciting the component with periodic or harmonic oscillations at the natural frequency of the individual masses, aligning them symmetrically, and then measuring the unbalance state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the component is spun at high speeds to move individual masses outward using centrifugal force, then the individual masses are positioned outward, but this method reaches its limits with larger guide radii as centrifugal forces act as normal forces leading to high friction forces in the contact zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by superimposing a periodic or harmonic oscillation with decaying amplitude on the rotation motion. This vibration excites the individual masses to overcome friction forces in the contact zone and reach their central positions, solving the problem where high-speed rotation alone is insufficient for larger guide radii due to excessive friction.
2Ease of operation
If simple shaking is applied before measurement to free individual masses from jammed positions, then masses may be freed from jammed positions, but large variations in measured values still occur as masses cannot necessarily be brought to their central position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled mechanical vibration with decaying amplitude superimposed on rotation to systematically guide individual masses to their central positions, rather than random shaking. This ensures reproducible positioning and eliminates the large variations in measurement results that occur with simple shaking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or harmonic oscillation with a specific frequency corresponding to the natural frequency of the individual masses. This periodic excitation systematically moves the masses through their oscillation cycles to their central equilibrium positions, providing consistent and reproducible measurement conditions.
3Measurement precision
If relatively complex measures are taken to obtain valid and reproducible unbalance results, then measurement validity is improved, but the measurement process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unbalance measurement process with a conditioning process that uses vibration excitation during rotation. By merging the positioning of individual masses with the measurement procedure itself, the system achieves high reproducibility without requiring separate complex preparation steps or additional conditioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rotation and vibration excitation to automatically position the individual masses in their central positions during the measurement process itself. The measurement procedure performs the conditioning function, eliminating the need for separate complex preparation measures while maintaining high reproducibility.
4Reliability
If the frequency of oscillation essentially corresponds to the natural frequency of the individual masses, then the individual masses are effectively excited to align symmetrically, but the measurement setup requires precise frequency control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the oscillation frequency parameter to match the natural frequency of the individual masses. By precisely adjusting this frequency parameter, the system achieves reliable excitation and symmetric alignment of masses. The frequency is varied with time (decaying amplitude) to ensure effective excitation while maintaining control.
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 approach significantly improves the reproducibility and accuracy of unbalance measurements by orienting chaotic centrifugal pendulums into a symmetrical order, simulating the true unbalance state, and allows for easy parameterization for different component types without mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
to stimulate this temporarily with a periodic or harmonic oscillation with a time-varying, preferably an initially constant and then decreasing amplitude, the frequency of which essentially corresponds to the natural frequency of the individual masses
Implementation Method 2
superimposing and causing the oscillations of the rotating component caused by the imbalance, that the originally randomly arranged individual masses of the rotating component align symmetrically
Implementation Method 3
equipped with a sensor and measuring unit for determining the vibrations generated by imbalances occurring on the rotary component
Implementation Method 4
a direct drive, preferably a torque drive or another comparable direct drive of high dynamics with high acceleration capacity and torque
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a novel measuring method and a corresponding measuring setup for increasing the reproducibility and accuracy of the unbalance measurement of rotating components with wandering, variable unbalance behavior, wherein the rotating component has independently movable, oscillating individual masses, which are used, for example, in centrifugal pendulums or similarly constructed torsional vibration dampers.