Apparatus for dynamical balancing of rotating objects and method for making same

• US 5,142,936 A
• Filed: 01/31/1992
• Issued: 09/01/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Peter J. Mcgale
• Original Assignee: Peter J. Mcgale
• Inventors: McGale, Peter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wright, Dirk
• Application Number:
  US07/828,500
• Time in Patent Office: 214 Days
• Field of Search: 74/573 F, 301/5 BA
• US Class Current: 74/570.2
• CPC Class Codes: F16F 15/363 using rolling bodies, e.g. balls free to move in a circumferential direction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2111 Plural, movable relative to each other [including ball[s]]

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically and constantly balancing rotating objects while they are in motion. Such an apparatus can be applied to balancing wheels of automobiles or trucks or can be applied to balancing the shafts of rotating machinery. The basic concept is to attach a fixture that supports a system of weights to the rotating object. Said weights are free to move relative to the rotating object in an orbit concentric to the axis of rotation of said rotating object. Under the influence of the forces generated by rotation of the rotating object above its critical speed, the system of weights take a configuration that opposes and partially cancels the imbalance of the rotating object. This invention also relates to a method of making the inventive apparatus by concentrically placing the annular hoop on the mounting fixture and fixing the hoop in place by use of counter-rotating, high-speed rotary press.

Claims

1. A dynamical balancing device for balancing rotating objects, said balancing device operating continually while the object is in rotation, comprising:

a) an annular hoop with a hollow circular cross section further comprising a rigid outer hoop layer and a flexible inner hoop layer; and

b) a plurality of spherical weights confined to the interior of said annular hoop wherein said weights are free to move relative to said annular hoop; and

c) a quantity of damping fluid contained in the interior of said annular hoop; and

d) a means for attaching said annular hoop to a rotating object such that the plane of said annular hoop is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said object and said annular hoop is concentric with the axis of rotation of said object.

2. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said outer hoop layer is sealed with a collar.

3. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said outer hoop layer is resistent to corrosion and erosion.

4. A balancing device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said outer hoop layer is made of metal.

5. A balancing device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said outer hoop layer is made of Aluminum.

6. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said inner hoop layer is adapted to be electrically insulating.

7. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said inner hoop layer is adapted to reduce noise and vibration of said weights.

8. A balancing device in accordance with claim 7 wherein said inner hoop layer is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

9. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for attaching said annular hoop is a dish.

10. A balancing device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said dish is adapted to attach to a rotating object by use of predrilled holes.

11. A balancing device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said annular hoop is attached to said dish by means of a double direction rotary press.

12. A balancing device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said dish is made of metal.

13. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said weights are chrome steel.

14. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said weights have a diameter greater than 1/2 the inner diameter of said inner hoop layer.

15. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said damping fluid is mineral oil.

16. A balancing device in accordance with claim 15 wherein said damping fluid further comprises antioxidant additives.

17. A balancing device in accordance with claim 15 wherein said damping fluid further comprises metal deactivators.

18. A balancing device in accordance with claim 15 wherein said damping fluid further comprises rust inhibitors.

19. A balancing device in accordance with claim 15 wherein said damping fluid further comprises (a) antioxidant additives, (b) metal deactivators and (c) rust inhibitors.

20. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said damping fluid comprises a silicone based fluid.

21. A balancing device in accordance with claim 20 wherein said damping fluid further comprises antioxidant additives.

22. A balancing device in accordance with claim 20 wherein said damping fluid further comprises metal deactivators.

23. A balancing device in accordance with claim 20 wherein said damping fluid further comprises rust inhibitors.

24. A balancing device in accordance with claim 20 wherein said damping fluid further comprises (a) antioxidant additives, (b) metal deactivators and (c) rust inhibitors.

25. A balancing device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a jacket.

26. A balancing device in accordance with claim 2 further comprising a jacket.

27. A balancing device in accordance with claim 4 further comprising a jacket.

28. A balancing device in accordance with claim 5 further comprising a jacket.

29. A balancing device in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a jacket.

30. A balancing device in accordance with claim 12 further comprising a jacket.

31. A dynamic balancing device for balancing rotating objects, said balancing device operating continually while the object is in rotation comprising:

a) an annular hoop with a hollow circular cross section further comprising a rigid outer hoop layer and a flexible inner hoop layer;

an

b) a plurality of spherical weights confined to the interior of said annular hoop wherein said weights are free to move relative to said annular hoop and further wherein said weights have a diameter greater than 1/2 the inner diameter of said inner hoop layer; and

c) a quantity of damping fluid contained in the interior of said annular hoop; and

d) a means for attaching said annular hoop to a rotating object such that the plane of said annular hoop is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the object and said annular hoop is concentric with the axis of rotation of the object; and

e) a hoop collar; and

f) a jacket; and

g) wherein said means for attaching said annular hoop is a dish.

32. A balancing device in accordance with claim 31 wherein,

a) said inner hoop layer is plastic and

b) said outer hoop layer is metal.

33. A balancing device in accordance with claim 31 wherein said weights are chrome steel.

34. A balancing device as in claim 31 wherein said dish is adapted to attach to a rotating object by the use of predrilled holes.

35. A balancing device in accordance with claim 31 wherein said damping fluid further comprises antioxidants additives and rust inhibitors.

36. A method for manufacturing a balancing device comprising a two-layered annular hoop and means for attaching said hoop to a rotating object comprising:

a) a step of inserting an inner hoop layer into an outer hoop layer; and

b) a step of inserting said inner hoop layer and outer hoop layer into a tubing bender; and

c) a step of bending said inner hoop layer and outer hoop layer into a circle to form an annular hoop; and

d) a step of inserting weights into said annular hoop;

e) a step of adding a quantity of damping fluid to said annular hoop;

f) a step of sealing said annular hoop;

g) a step of securing said annular hoop onto a mounting fixture.

37. A method for manufacturing as in claim 36 further comprising a step of cutting said annular hoop ends squarely.

38. A method for manufacturing as in claim 36 wherein said step of sealing said annular hoop comprises placing a collar on said annular hoop.

39. A method for manufacturing as in claim 36 wherein said step of securing said annular hoop is done on a double direction rotary press.

40. A method of manufacturing as in claim 39 further comprising a step of placing a jacket around said annular hoop.