Method for Actively Balancing a Rotor, and Device Comprising a Rotor and a Mechanism Paired with the Rotor for Actively Balancing Same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a system and method for actively balancing a rotating body (rotor) using a magnetic fluid (such as ferrofluid or magnetorheological fluid) partially contained within a chamber on the rotor. The fluid's position is controlled by the combination of a permanent magnet (fixed on the rotor) and electromagnetic fields from stationary electromagnets outside the rotating system. By appropriately adjusting the electromagnetic field as the rotor spins, the magnetic fluid's mass can be redistributed to counteract imbalances, resulting in smoother operation.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Balancing high-speed rotors in electric motors and generators
• Active balancing of centrifuge rotors used in laboratories and industry
• Reducing vibration and wear in washing machines, turbines, or MRI equipment with spinning elements
• Precision balancing in tools with rotating parts such as spindles in machining equipment
• Balancing rotating elements in fans, compressors, or pumps during operation

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables dynamic (on-the-fly) balancing during normal operation without stopping or disassembling machinery
• Reduces vibrations, noise, component wear, and potential damage, thus extending equipment lifespan
• More energy-efficient than previous active balancing methods due to maintenance of balance with minimal electrical energy (permanent magnet does much of the holding work)
• Compact, potentially simpler system compared to complex actuator-based solutions
• Adaptable to variable operational conditions and imbalances that change over time

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for actively balancing a rotor (1), having the steps of: providing a device comprising a rotor (1) which can be rotated about a rotational axis and a mechanism (2) paired with the rotor (1) for actively balancing same, wherein a magnetic fluid (7) is received in a fluid chamber (6) formed on the rotor (1), said fluid partly filling the fluid chamber (6) and containing at least one of the following fluids: a ferrofluid and a magneto-rheological fluid; holding the magnetic fluid (7) in a starting position in the fluid chamber (6) using a permanent magnetic field of a permanent magnet (5) arranged on the rotor (1); rotating the rotor (1) about the rotational axis (3); and guiding the fluid chamber (6) and the permanent magnet (5) past an electric excitation system with an electromagnet (8) arranged in a stationary manner while rotating the rotor (1). In order to actively balance the rotor, the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet (5) and an electromagnetic field of the electromagnet (8) overlap in the activated state such that the mass of the magnetic fluid (7) in the fluid chamber (6) is displaced from the starting position. The invention additionally relates to a device comprising a rotor (1) and a mechanism (2) paired with the rotor (1) for actively balancing the rotor (1).