The first application for Solartron Metrology's new Linear Encoder puts the product to the ultimate test, where absolute accuracy is crucial and the working environment is adverse. The team working on ThrustSSC, the car designed to attempt to break the sound barrier, will use the Linear Encoder to monitor the car's rear wheel steering compliance between test runs in the Black Rock Desert.
While some compliance is essential to the smooth running of the car, it must be kept at a controlled level as too much or too little means something is wrong. Regular checking of compliance due to running tolerance between various parts is undertaken as a preventative maintenance procedure, to control wear and tear on key components, such as the run out of wheel bearings. Checking was previously carried out using a traditional dial gauge.
Nick Dove, work shop manager for ThrustSSC says, "The new Solartron Metrology Linear Encoders are excellent. They will save us so much time. Whereas before we had to strip down assemblies to measure with the dial gauge, now we can do most things in-situ and the readings are so much more accurate and repeatable."
ThrustSSC effectively has two onboard data systems; an electronic version and Andy Green, the Driver! Andy can instantly feel if something is not right and in addition, the on-board computer collects data from Solartron Metrology's LVDTs attached to the car's steering system. The LVDTs yield detailed information on the compliance of wheel movement which determines when the steering should be checked with the Solartron Metrology Linear Encoder.
To test the steering compliance, a 25mm stroke Linear Encoder, accurate to 0.5 microns, is positioned through the car's gearbox so it rests against the back of the Worm Gear and Sector Arrangement. A series of measurements are taken with the car on jacks and then with the car on its wheels. These tests are repeated to ensure that the compliance of the steering hasn't changed.
The Linear Encoder and its Smart Connector can be plugged into the user friendly Solartron Digital Readout or, straight into a PC using Solartron's Orbit Network Card. In this instance, a PC is used with a basic applications programme to produce a record of data points.
This data is easily transferred to a standard spreadsheet software package and enables the team to produce a hard copy graph showing the compliance change over the movement range of the steering.
When in the desert, the Thrust team will carry out the tests once a week and the Linear Encoder will also be used for the general checking of components. The sand and dirt will get everywhere, but the Solartron Linear Encoders are extremely rugged and able to stand up to the toughest of working environments.
For more information, please see the Solartron-Metrology Web Site at: http://www.solartron-metrology.com
 |
 |
 |
||
| Sponsored by | This site best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 3 | |||
 |
 |
 |
||