Spline Test Bench with Adjustable Bending Moment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test benches for splines are unable to easily vary the bending moment applied during testing, limiting their effectiveness in simulating real-world conditions and making it difficult to compare results with control splines or test lubricated splines.
Innovation Solution
A test bench design that includes a drive shaft integral with the splines, connected by kinematic chains to a motor, allowing for adjustable torque and bending moments without modifying the equipment, with optional lubrication and adjustable torque-setting means to maintain consistent testing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test benches with fixed torque introduction mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the bending moment cannot be easily varied during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The test bench employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the bending moment to be varied during operation. The torque introduction means can be adjusted to different positions along the shaft, and the magnitude of torque can be modified while the test is running, enabling flexible simulation of different operating conditions without structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The test bench is divided into modular components including the drive shaft, torque introduction means, and measurement systems that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the bending moment parameters to be varied without affecting the overall structural integrity or requiring complete redesign of the test bench.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the equipment under test is modified to enable bending moment variation, then the bending moment adjustability is improved, but the original equipment integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary torque transmission system that couples the drive shaft to the splines without directly modifying the spline geometry or structure. The torque introduction means acts as a mediator that applies controlled bending moments through external mechanical means, allowing parameter variation while preserving the integrity of the test specimen.
3Measurement precision
If wear impacts are not minimized, then the test setup is simpler, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to wear effects
Solution Approach 1:
The test bench incorporates measurement systems that monitor the relative displacement and wear of the splines during testing. This feedback information is used to adjust the test parameters or compensate for wear effects in real-time, maintaining measurement precision throughout the endurance test duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements and establishes baseline conditions before the main test begins. Wear compensation parameters are pre-calibrated and adjustment mechanisms are pre-positioned to minimize the impact of wear during the actual testing phase, ensuring measurement accuracy from the outset.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The bench (1) has a drive shaft (10) traversing longitudinally through a main shaft and secured in rotation to each pair of corrugations. A torque unit (40) sets torque of the corrugations. Moment setting unit (50) is provided with moment setting sub assemblies (51, 52) for subjecting the corrugations to a bending moment. Each sub assembly includes a pressure unit (53) cooperating with the corrugations and a movement unit (56). The movement unit rotates the pressure unit along a transverse axis (AY1). An independent claim is also included for a method for testing a pair of corrugations.