High sensitivity bearing tester and systems thereof
AssigneeNational Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandis, LLC
InventorsBrendan L. Nation, Michael T. Dugger, Rand Garfield
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing a bearing, as well as systems including such an apparatus. In one instance, the apparatus allows for torsional losses of a bearing to be determined in a highly sensitive manner. Results can be determined in a controlled environment, as the system can include an environmental enclosure to encapsulate the testing apparatus.
Claims20
An apparatus for testing a bearing, the apparatus comprising:
- a cartridge configured to couple directly or indirectly to an outer race of a bearing, wherein the cartridge is configured to couple the outer race but not to the inner race, wherein the cartridge comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to attach to the arm, and wherein the second end is configured to attach to a mechanical balance;
- an arm attached to the cartridge;
- a load cell comprising a contact point attached to the arm;
- a motor shaft configured to couple directly or indirectly to an inner race of a bearing;
- and
- a motor configured to rotate the motor shaft, thereby allowing the inner race to be rotated and permitting the torsional loss to be determined by measuring a force applied to the load cell by the arm.
An apparatus for testing a bearing, the apparatus comprising:
- a cartridge configured to couple directly or indirectly to an outer race of a bearing;
- an arm attached to the cartridge;
- a load cell comprising a contact point attached to the arm, wherein a distance between the contact point and a center of the bearing is of from about 5 cm to about 20 cm;
- a motor shaft configured to couple directly or indirectly to an inner race of a bearing;
- and
- a motor configured to rotate the motor shaft, thereby allowing the inner race to be rotated and permitting the torsional loss to be determined by measuring a force applied to the load cell by the arm.
An apparatus for testing a bearing, the apparatus comprising:
- a cartridge configured to couple directly or indirectly to an outer race of a bearing;
- an arm attached to the cartridge;
- a load cell comprising a contact point attached to the arm;
- a motor shaft configured to couple directly or indirectly to an inner race of a bearing;
- and
- a motor configured to rotate the motor shaft, thereby allowing the inner race to be rotated and permitting the torsional loss to be determined by measuring a force applied to the load cell by the arm, wherein the motor comprises a servo motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.