Flexure-Based Torque and Thrust Drilling Hall-Effect Dynamometer
The Problem
Industrial automation and control are crucial processes across a variety of industries, from automotive to aerospace to agricultural manufacturing. Smart drilling solutions with in-process torque/thrust measurement are needed in a variety of manufacturing industries as assemblies become ever larger and more complex. Current dynamometers, however, are often prohibitively expensive, utilize too much power, or are too low-fidelity to provide key capability improvements.
The Solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a flexure-based torque and thrust drilling dynamometer making use of Hall-effect sensors for calculation purposes. The novel dynamometer is low-cost and has comparable measurement capability/error rates to commercially available rotating dynamometers commonly used in industry.
Benefits
| Benefit |
|---|
| Maximum percent difference of 8.2% for torque and 7.9% for thrust force when compared to commercially available rotating dynamometers. |
| Low cost – roughly $650 supply cost per unit. |
| Unique multi-sensor design provides linear response over the full sensor range with rejection of undesired structural dynamics. |
More Information
- UTRF Reference ID: 24163
- Patent Status: Patent Pending
Innovators
Ross Zameroski
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering (MABE), Tickle College of Engineering, UT Knoxville
Dr. Zameroski recieved his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the MABE Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Zameroski was been named a 2024 Volunteer of Distinction, won the 2023 AeroDef Student Research Poster Pitch competition, and has authored several publications in the machining and manufacturing space. His research interests include metalworking, MRO, and machining technologies.
Read more about Ross ZameroskiTony Schmitz
Professor, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering (MABE), Tickle College of Engineering, UT Knoxville
Dr. Schmitz received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida in 1999. He serves as joint faculty with the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and his research interests include manufacturing, machining, vibrations, and measurement and uncertainty analysis.
Read more about Tony Schmitz