A thermal static calibration apparatus for testing viscous fan clutches and a method thereof

The thermal static calibration apparatus addresses the inefficiencies of conventional dynamic testing by employing a mechanical fixture, air heater, and LVDT to measure and analyze temperature versus deflection data, resulting in faster, more precise, and energy-efficient viscous fan clutch testing.

WO2026027946A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-02-05MAHLE ANAND THERMAL SYST PTE LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2025/050056
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-31
Filing Date
2025-01-03
Publication Date
2026-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional dynamic testing of viscous fan clutches is time-consuming, resource-intensive, and requires significant power consumption, limiting daily production output and floor space utilization, while being prone to operator errors and lacking precision.

Method used

A thermal static calibration apparatus using a mechanical fixture, air heater, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), and control unit to measure and analyze temperature versus deflection data directly, optimizing the calibration process for faster, more precise, and energy-efficient viscous fan clutch testing.

Benefits of technology

Reduces cycle time by 50%, increases daily production output by 50%, achieves 90% energy savings, optimizes floor space, and enhances precision and accuracy of temperature versus deflection measurements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A thermal static calibration apparatus for testing viscous fan clutches and a method thereof is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a test rig (110) with a specialized mechanical fixture (120) designed to securely hold a half-assembled viscous fan clutch (130). This clutch comprises critical elements such as a cover (140), valve lever (150), dividing disc assembly (160), pin (170), and bimetal strip (180). Positioned orthogonally to the clutch, an air heater (190) directly heats the bimetal strip, causing controlled thermal expansion. A Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) (200) measures valve lever displacement during this process. The data recording module (210) captures temperature and deflection readings, enabling the generation of a temperature versus deflection graph. By analysing the graph's slope, the engagement temperature of the viscous fan clutch (130) is determined. Finally, a computational technique calculates the optimal pin length based on this engagement temperature.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Slip frequency thermal test device for electrically controlled silicone oil fan clutch and measuring method of slip frequency thermal test device

    CN118329451A

  • Device for testing viscose fan

    KR1019980020494A

  • Stepless Fan Clutch Characteristics Test Device

    KR1019980034013A