Coupler arrangement for isolation arrangement for system under test

• US 7,017,426 B2
• Filed: 08/10/2004
• Issued: 03/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Veri-Tek International Corp.
• Original Assignee: Veri-Tek International Corp.
• Inventors: Juranitch, James C., Olschefski, Robert D.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOORI, MAX H
• Application Number:
  US10/916,377
• Publication Number:
  US 20050081644A1
• Time in Patent Office: 595 Days
• Field of Search: 738/620.8, 731/62, 738/623.1
• US Class Current: 73/862.31
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 13/025 Test-benches with rotational drive means and loading means; Load or drive simulation

Abstract

A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion. Axial loading is absorbed by an elastomeric insert that limits the extent of the engagement between first and second coupler portions. The first and second coupler portions exert a torque against one another via the substantially planar surfaces and the engagement portions, over a predetermined range that is limited by the elastomeric insert, which additionally absorbs axial loading. A resilient biasing element urges the second coupler portion axially upward toward the first coupler portion. An isolation support supports the energy transfer system so as to be translatable in at least one plane of freedom.

Claims

1. A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting substantially exclusively torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test, the drive coupling arrangement comprising:

a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test, said coupler having a polygonal cross-sectional configuration that extends continuously over a predetermined length of axis, the polygonal cross-sectional configuration having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis;

a second coupler portion having an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of said first coupler portion, said second coupler portion having a plurality of engagement portions, each of which communicating exclusively with respectively associated ones of a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of said first coupler portion, and being axially translatable along said first coupler portion for a portion of the predetermined length of axis, wherein said first and second coupler portions exert a non-slip torque against one another via the substantially planar surfaces of said first coupler portion and the engagement portions of said second coupler portion, over a predetermined range of the portion of the predetermined length of axis; and

a resilient insert installed within the second coupler portion for limiting the extent of axial translation between the plurality of engagement portions of said second coupler portion along said first coupler portion.

2. The drive coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein said first coupler portion comprises an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof.

3. The drive coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the polygonal cross-sectional configuration corresponds to a hexagon having six substantially planar surfaces.

4. The drive coupling arrangement of claim 3, wherein said second coupler portion has three engagement portions that engage three respective substantially planar surfaces of said first coupler portion.

5. The coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein said second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement.

6. The coupling arrangement of claim 1, wherein there is further provided a resilient biasing element for urging said second coupler portion axially toward said first coupler portion, whereby said first coupler portion communicates axially with said resilient insert.

7. The coupling arrangement of claim 6, wherein the predetermined length of axis is substantially vertically arranged, said first coupler portion being disposed axially superior to said second coupler portion, said resilient biasing element urging said second coupler portion axially upward toward said first coupler portion, and said resilient insert is formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and absorbs axial loading between said first and second coupler portions.