Application Story: Higher Speed, Smoother Motion New Precision 'Delta' Axes for Moving Body Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine
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Heason Technology is one of the leading independent suppliers of Precision Motion Control Equipment specialising in 'Motion System Integration' and is now a major player in many diverse markets including Aerospace & Defence, Printing, Semiconductor & Fibre-Optic Manufacturing Equipment, Simulation and Robotics - full details can be found on the UK website at www.heason.com/
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Broadbridge Heath, UK - February 2008: Anthony Best Dynamics, Bradford-on-Avon, UK turned to leading independent precision motion specialists Heason Technology for rotary actuators as its customer base sought greater speed and smoother motion.
Anthony Best Dynamics supplies advanced testing systems to the global motor industry for research and development and for production quality control. They design and manufacture specialised systems for kinematics and compliance testing, vehicle dynamics testing on the track and steering system testing.
The moving body Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM) is a proven machine for use in Kinematics and Compliance testing. ABD's kinematics and compliance measurement machines measure the quasi-static suspension characteristics that are important to ride and handling. The machines measure the kinematic characteristics due to suspension and steering system geometries, and compliances due to suspension springs, anti-roll bars, elastomeric bushes and component deformations.
The SPMM uses precision electric actuators that avoid all the problems traditionally associated with hydraulic test equipment. The first SPMM manufactured by AB Dynamics was installed in 1997 and is still testing vehicles on a daily basis without requiring any major maintenance.
A large number of parameters may be evaluated, the principal ones being suspension rates and hysterisis, bump-steer, roll-steer, roll stiffness distribution, longitudinal and lateral compliance steer, and steering system characteristics. Knowledge of these parameter values and characteristics is an essential aid to the thorough understanding of a vehicles performance in terms of ride, steering and handling. It comprises a rigid centre table upon which the vehicle is mounted. The centre table can be moved with six degrees of freedom for kinematics measurements. Individual wheel stations have three degrees of freedom (X, Y, Delta) and integral six axis load platform. Wheel positions are measured using an accurate and easy to use optical encoder system. The optional MIMS (Moment of Inertia Measurement
System) enables the SPMM to quickly measure vehicle centre of gravity, and inertias.
The challenge put forward to Heason's design team was to develop a compact, zero backlash, precision gear actuator which would allow ABD to offer higher rotation speeds whilst providing exceptionally smooth motion. Coupled with this, Heason's design brief was to package the new actuator to fit within an existing casting of the machine. Working closely with engineering expertise from Spinea SA (who Heason exclusively represent in the UK), Heason's mechanical design team developed a compact, zero backlash gear actuator based around a custom Spinea TwinSpin bearing reducer with an Emoteq integrated frameless, brushless servo motor and high resolution feedback device. The new package did not only achieve the higher rotation speed, but also surpassed the previous 'zero backlash' gear system in terms of smoothness, all in a more compact package. Actuator performance - 495Nm Continuous Torque, 1237Nm Repeatable Torque, 1,000 Nm/Arcmin Tilting Stiffness, 110 Nm/Arcmin Torsional Stiffness, < 1.0 Arcmin Maximum Lost Motion, 19,200 N Rated Radial Force, 27,900 N Maximum Axial Force. Encoder Resolution 1,250,000 Counts/Rev. Actuator size - Maximum Diameter 190mm by Maximum Length 164mm.
Heason Technology is a leading independent supplier of Precision Motion Control Equipment specialising in 'Motion System Integration' and is a major player in many diverse markets. Heason has considerable experience in precision motion control. Not only does Heason sell some of the leading global brands of precision motion control components, but using these products and components and its considerable expertise, Heason engineer custom and bespoke solutions for individual customer requirements, such as Anthony Best Dynamics.
For company and technical information, please contact Jon Howard:
Heason Technology Ltd
Unit 6 Lawson Hunt Industrial Park
Guildford Road
Broadbridge Heath
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 3JR, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1403 755800
Fax: +44 (0)1403 755810
Email: jhoward@heason.com
Web: www.heason.com
Eddie Palmer
Tactical MarComms Limited
Tel: 01202 699967
mailto:eddie.palmer@tacticalmarcomms.com
Web: www.tacticalmarcomms.com
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