What is an eccentric counterbalanced drive mechanism?

[stan]

Hi,

i was wondering what is a eccentric counterbalanced drive mechanism, i could not find any pictures of this particular mechanism..

can anybody explain how it works and what is its purpose?


stan

 

[FredGarvin]

I don't have any source for a picture, but the idea is that the eccentricity produces an orbiting instead of pure rotation. The counterbalance is required to minimize the out of balance created by this configuration. I have seen them mostly used on machines that are shakers and seperators. We have a vibrational polishing machine here that uses one. I'll keep looking for pictures though.

 

[Danger]

The first thing that comes to mind is the crankshaft in a car engine, but I'm not sure if that's what you're talking about because the output is smooth. I believe that orbital sanders and floor polishers use an eccentric drive as well.