High sensitivity bearing tester and systems thereof
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.
1. 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.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a securing bolt configured to attach the inner race to an end portion of the motor shaft.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
an adjustable mount configured to allow a location of the load cell to be adjusted along the arm.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arm comprises a carbon fiber material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor shaft is configured to couple indirectly to the inner race.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising:
a sleeve configured to couple with an end portion of the motor shaft, wherein the sleeve interacts with a central bore disposed within the inner race, thereby coupling the end portion of the motor shaft with the inner race.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising:
a securing bolt configured to attach the inner race to the sleeve.
8. A system comprising:
an apparatus of claim 1 ; and
an environmental enclosure disposed around the apparatus.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the enclosure further comprises a gas inlet configured to deliver one or more fluids into the enclosure and a gas outlet configured to transmit the one or more fluids out of the enclosure.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the motor is disposed outside of the enclosure.
11. The system of claim 8 , further comprising:
a processor configured to control a rate of speed of the motor, to measure a force of the load cell, and/or to calculate a torque based on the force.
12. 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.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the load cell comprises of from about 5 g to about 25 g.
14. A system comprising:
an apparatus of claim 12 ;
an environmental enclosure disposed around the apparatus; and
a processor configured to control a rate of speed of the motor, to measure a force of the load cell, and/or to calculate a torque based on the force.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising:
an adjustable mount configured to allow a location of the load cell to be adjusted along the arm.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the arm comprises a carbon fiber material.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the motor comprises a servo motor.
18. 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.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the servo motor is geared at a ratio of from about 5:1 to about 20:1.
20. A system comprising:
an apparatus of claim 18 ;
an environmental enclosure disposed around the apparatus; and
a processor configured to control a rate of speed of the motor, to measure a force of the load cell, and/or to calculate a torque based on the force.