Design of a Geometric Adaptive Straightness Controller for Shaft Straightening Process

Abstract

In order to minimize straightness error of deflected shaft, a geometric adaptive straightness controller system is studied. A multi-step straightening and a three-point bending process have been developed for the geometric adaptive straightness controller. Load-deflection relationship, on-line identification of variations of material properties, on-line springback prediction, and real-time hydraulic control methodology are studied for the three-point bending process. By deflection pattern analysis and fuzzy self-learning method in the multi-step straightening process, a straightening point and direction, desired permanent deflection and supporting condition are determined. An automatic straightening machine has been fabricated for rack bars by using the developed ideas. Validity of the proposed system is verified through experiments.