Optimization of the dynamic behavior of electromechanical spindle lifting cylinders

Electro-mechanical spindle lifting cylinders are employed in a great number of industrial applications. They can typically be found in the elevation adjustment of dental chairs, X-ray equipment, tracking systems of solar installations or parking brakes of modern cars. A heightened awareness of energy-efficient drive systems has led to an increased installation of electro-mechanical spindle lifting cylinders in applications which up to now used hydraulic or pneumatic approaches.

Depending on the area of application, electro-mechanical spindle lifting cylinders have to cover a broad spectrum of possible operating conditions. It is rarely possible to exactly predict the dynamic behavior of a drive system under every possible operation condition, while also considering the surrounding mechanical structures. Hence, undesired dynamic effects which are expressed in the form vibrations and noises may arise during real operations. These oscillations can reduce the operating life of drive components and at the extreme lead to complete failure of the drive system or the structural surroundings.

The objective of this research is to be able to reliably predict the dynamic behavior of electro-mechanical spindle lifting cylinders while considering the mechanical surroundings and present optimization potentials at the component and system level. Furthermore, measures to increase the energy efficiency shall be identified. A simulation-based approach provides the basis of this project. Using experimental investigations, the simulation models are validated and the determined optimization measures tested and evaluated.