Multi-Plate Clutch Test Bench for Bearing Friction Torque Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test bench concepts for multi-disk clutches are affected by roller bearing friction variations, which interfere with torque measurements and reduce accuracy, especially in determining small torques like drag torque.
Innovation Solution
A test bench arrangement with a clutch unit comprising two disk carriers that rotate relative to each other, using a drive mechanism and a measuring unit to detect frictional torque of the bearing unit, allowing for the subtraction of frictional torque from drive torque to accurately determine drag or load torque, with a fluid bearing for precise frictionless operation at zero rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If roller bearings are used to support the driven shafts in the test bench, then the test bench can operate with simple mechanical support, but the roller bearing friction causes marked variations in torque measurement and reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful friction effect of the roller bearings is extracted and measured separately using a measuring unit that detects the frictional torque. This separated measurement allows the main torque measurement to be corrected by subtracting the bearing friction component, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mechanical support and accurate torque measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
A measuring unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the driven shaft and the torque measurement system. This intermediary device specifically measures the frictional torque generated by the roller bearings, enabling the system to compensate for this interference and achieve accurate torque measurements while maintaining simple roller bearing support.
2Measurement precision
If a measuring device is added to detect frictional torque of the bearing unit, then torque measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring unit is merged with the existing bearing unit structure, where the sensor element is integrated into the bearing support system. This combination allows the measuring function to be added without requiring a completely separate measurement system, thereby reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If fluid bearing is used for the measuring shaft, then friction is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bearing is applied locally only to the measuring shaft where high precision is critical, rather than to all shafts in the system. This localized application provides the necessary friction-free operation for accurate measurements while keeping the rest of the system using simpler, easier-to-manufacture roller bearings, thus balancing measurement precision with manufacturing ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This setup enables highly accurate measurement of small torques, improving testing accuracy by isolating and subtracting frictional torque, and providing better operational behavior with improved damping properties.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid bearing for precise frictionless operation at zero rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
Friction disk sets of clutches and brakes are used, for example, in automatic transmissions. In clutch test benches for such clutches, the friction disks are held in a test chamber on inner and outer disk carriers. The test bench arrangement has a clutch unit which includes first and second disk carriers. The first disk carrier can be moved relative to the second disk carrier. A drive input section includes a drive input mechanism for producing relative movement between the first and the second disk carrier. A first driven shaft is mounted by at least one first bearing unit. The first disk carrier is drive-connected, via the first shaft, to the drive input mechanism. The first shaft is mounted to rotate by virtue of the first bearing unit. The test bench arrangement includes a measuring unit for determining a frictional torque of the first bearing unit.