Frictional torque determination technique
Inventors
Hansen, Greg • Lee, Peter • Sanchez, Carlos
Assignees
Southwest Research Institute SwRI
Publication Number
US-12078563-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
Expiration Date
2042-07-06
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Abstract
A tribometer and technique for determining torque at a physical interface of multiple rotating components. The tool and technique include aligning components about a rotational axis for independent rotation of each component. The components are in physical interface during the rotating with a resultant frictional torque. The torque may be measured by one or more torque meters during the rotating. This measured torque may be compared against an estimated torque for tool accuracy. Further, parameters such as load, temperature, component material, rotating rpm differentials and others may be varied to determine effect on measured frictional torque.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses a tribometer and technique for determining frictional torque at a physical interface between multiple rotating components. The tool includes aligning the components along a shared rotational axis, allowing for each component to rotate independently while in physical contact at the interface. This arrangement enables accurate measurement of frictional torque using one or more torque meters during the rotation.
A core feature of the invention is the capability to rotate both components at independent and predetermined speeds and directions, reflecting real-world scenarios such as interfacing gears, where both elements move simultaneously in opposite or varying directions. Parameters like load, temperature, component material, and rotational speed differential can be systematically varied to observe their effect on the measured frictional torque.
The method also includes comparing the measured torque with calculated estimates, based on differential speed, coefficient of friction, load, and slip ratio, to verify tool accuracy. This improves upon traditional tribometry arrangements, which typically keep one component stationary and rely on extrapolated modeling for multiple moving interfaces, by providing direct and reliable torque measurements for independently moving components.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each introducing distinctive inventive features related to torque measurement at the interface of independently rotating components.
Tribometer for measuring frictional torque of dual independently rotating components
A tribometer comprising: - A first platform accommodating a first component and a second platform accommodating a second component, both aligned to facilitate interfacing on a shared axis. - A first motor to rotate the first component and a second motor to rotate the second component, both about the shared axis, enabling independent rotation. - At least one torque meter to measure frictional torque between the rotating components.
Tribology system with dual assemblies for independent rotation and torque measurement
A system comprising: - A first assembly with a motor to rotate a first component along a shared rotational axis. - A second assembly with another motor for rotating a second component, both assemblies aligned so the components physically interface, and each motor facilitating independent rotation. - At least one torque meter coupled to at least one of the assemblies for measuring frictional torque during rotation at the interface.
Method of determining frictional torque at the interface of independently rotating components
A method comprising: - Orienting component faces along a shared rotational axis so that they meet at an interface. - Rotating each component independently about the axis during contact, for a predetermined period, at a predetermined axial load, and at independently predetermined RPMs. - Measuring the torque at the interface during rotation.
The inventive features encompass a tribometer tool, an integrated system, and a method for independently rotating and measuring frictional torque between physically interfaced components, reflecting simultaneous motion scenarios and enabling direct and accurate torque measurement.
Stated Advantages
The tribometer provides frictional torque data reflective of circumstances where multiple components move or rotate independently while interfacing, avoiding extensive and time-consuming modeling.
An enhanced degree of accuracy is attainable by replicating real-world conditions where multiple moving parts interface, compared to conventional tribology setups.
The tool allows for systematic testing of different parameters, such as load, speed differential, lubricant, temperature, and component material, with reliable torque measurement.
Documented Applications
Evaluation of frictional torque between interfacing gears where both gears rotate in opposite or varying directions, applicable in mechanical assemblies.
Testing linear actuator and crank interfaces where simultaneous movement of components occurs while interfacing.
General use in machinery and application assemblies utilizing frictionally interfacing components requiring accurate torque measurement under different operational parameters.
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