Rotational imbalance compensator
US6606922B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2122
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an enhanced system and method for compensating for load imbalances of rotating members. An imbalance compensator may have a balancing ring wirelessly controlled by a ring controller. The balancing ring may have a housing containing a plurality of actuators configured to exert force against a compensation ring within the housing. The actuators may move the compensation ring with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft in a direction substantially opposite the direction of the imbalance. The actuators may directly contact the compensation ring, or may exert the force through the use of mechanical transfer devices that provide a selected mechanical advantage. Alternatively, a chamber containing a magnetic fluid may be used to provide a counterbalancing mass. Particles within the magnetic fluid maybe concentrated opposite the imbalance direction through the use of electromagnets or permanent magnets mounted on movable carts. As another alternative, fluid maybe pumped between a plurality of chambers by one or more micropumps, with or without the use of valves to control the fluid flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.