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Grace ParsekianNovember 15, 2023Blog / TransducersThe development and testing of a vehicle’s steering system can be improved and verified through the measurement of steering torque and steering angle using steering wheel transducers. Tests can be done in both the laboratory setting and during normal use. The SW-SR2 and SW-TEL are Steering Wheel Torque Measurement Systems that replace or mount to the vehicle’s original steering wheel and mount to the splined steering shaft. The video below describes the installation of these measurement systems:   SW-SR2 Steering Wheel Transducer The SW-SR2 Steering Wheel Torque and Angle Transducer has the option of mounting to the existing vehicle steering wheel or to replace the existing steering wheel by mounting directly to the splined steering shaft. Additionally, the SW-SR2 is a strain gauge-based sensor made from high-strength stainless steel and is fully temperature compensated. The steering angle signal is generated from a high-resolution inductive encoder. Furthermore, the SW-SR2 has a ±1440 degree multi-turn encoder and both analog and CAN outs. The SW-SR2 utilizes a high-quality Michigan Scientific slip ring assembly for signal transmission. The torque transducer and steer angle sensor are powered and controlled by a Michigan Scientific DIGI-STEER Control Unit. SW-TEL Steering Wheel Transducer The SW-TEL Steering Wheel Torque Transducer mounts to the existing vehicle steering wheel or replaces the existing steering wheel. A precision transducer sends signals wirelessly with far field telemetry. The telemetry package is battery-powered, creating a compact, low-profile assembly to measure torque. Similar to the SW-SR2, this transducer is made from high-grade stainless steel material and it is temperature compensated, ensuring stable output throughout a wide temperature range. The SW-TEL only measures steering torque, while the SW-SR2 measures both steering torque and steering angle. The SW-TEL is more simple to mount and install since it does not have a position restraint. [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelMay 3, 2023BlogSlip Ring Assemblies Slip Rings are a reliable way of transferring signals between stationary and rotating parts. They accommodate multiple channels for the transfer of data, signals, and power simultaneously. Low electrical noise provides reliable signal transfer with minimal external interference. Slip rings are compact and can be customized to fit specific requirements. Michigan Scientific Slip Rings also provide unlimited bandwidth for signals. This makes them an ideal instrument for the installation of sensors on rotating components. Michigan Scientific offers an array of slip rings, including varieties of End of Shaft, Tubular, and custom solutions. Slip Ring Assemblies are trusted by the automotive, aerospace, robotic, agricultural, energy, medical industry, and many others. End of Shaft Slip Ring Michigan Scientific creates End of Shaft Slip Ring Assemblies specifically to mount on the end of a rotating shaft. Tubular Slip Ring Assemblies are used for applications that require the slip ring to be mounted directly on a rotating shaft. Common End of Shaft Slip Ring Assembly applications include use on parts such as wheels, gearboxes, engines, and compressors. Customers often use them to transmit temperature, strain, torque, stress, vibration, and acceleration measurements. Customers can also use the slip rings for high-speed digital ethernet signals. Michigan Scientific Slip Ring Assemblies can utilize many optional accessories and features to meet the demands of a variety of applications.  The video below demonstrates a potential use case and installation for an End of Shaft Slip Ring. To demonstrate, we gauge a shaft, which spins a flywheel at high speeds, for strain and then transfer the measurements from the shaft to the DAQ via the slip ring. Michigan Scientific’s slip rings set the industry standard in durability and efficiency of design, making them a great choice for anyone’s first slip ring purchase. Michigan Scientific makes them from precious metals that reduce noise and enable using the assemblies for low-level instrumentation signals. Many standard End of Shaft Slip Rings operate at high speeds, up to 12,000 rpm. The Slip Ring Assemblies from Michigan Scientific are compact and rugged. Weatherproof designs provide accurate test results in even the most adverse conditions.    To learn more about Slip Ring Assemblies, contact Michigan Scientific today.  [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelFebruary 7, 2023BlogTesting Efficiency of Farm Equipment Understanding the distribution of power in farm equipment allows engineers to optimize fuel efficiency and productivity in both diesel and electric farm equipment. Michigan Scientific produces precision testing instruments with the capability to measure power losses in nearly every system in a variety of farm equipment. Michigan Scientific precision instrumentation can measure nearly any part of a system’s speed, torque, and temperature. These measurements can determine the amount of power distribution for each system. Knowledge of power distribution can help engineers find significant power losses. This is crucial when working to improve overall efficiency.  Electric Farm Equipment As the push for electrification increases, every industry has been working on the feasibility of the transition. The agricultural industry has many significant hurdles before electric farm vehicles become viable options. Battery capacity and infrastructure are major problems for the agricultural industry at the moment. Optimizing the efficiency of the machine will be a crucial factor when considering the battery capacity. Significant testing will need to be done on every system in electric farm equipment to fully understand power distribution. Testing will need to be completed in a variety of normal field operations as well as specific test conditions.  Example Instrumentation in Combine Harvesters Knowing the torque applied to pulleys and gears offers crucial insight into forces experienced during use. Michigan Scientific can instrument pulleys and gears, including the gear teeth, to test the speed, torque, and temperature they experience when in use. These instrumentation solutions are ideal for both long-term tests during general use and specific test conditions. Slip Rings are used for transferring data from the part to a DAQ system. The elbow gearbox on an unloading auger is necessary for transferring harvested goods into a truck or cart. On a combine, the unloading auger adjusts its position to be over the transfer location, then gears power the auger to move harvested goods through the auger tube. Michigan Scientific instrumentation can test the speed, torque, and temperature of the elbow gearbox to see where improvements can be made. This data is can lead to increased durability and efficiency. Michigan Scientific uses Multi-Axis Load Cells or custom gauging to measure forces experienced on moving components within an assembly. For example, Multi-Axis Load Cells can be mounted to rotor blades and feeder slats can be instrumented with custom gauging. The rugged design of our load cells ensures the ability to do field testing in the most difficult of conditions. Telemetry transmitters are used to transfer the data wirelessly from the load cell to a DAQ device.   Michigan Scientific specializes in designing and creating custom strain gauge transducers. Our engineers have expertise in gauging a wide variety of stock components. Michigan Scientific has completed a variety of instrumentation to help customers in the agriculture industry complete tests. We offer instrumentation capable of testing the efficiency of farm equipment while maintaining their strength and other characteristics as much as possible. To learn more about how Michigan Scientific can help with your instrumentation needs, contact us today!   [...] Read more...
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Ted NachazelAugust 10, 2023NewsCustom Multi-Axis Load Cells: Solutions for Your Measurement Needs Michigan Scientific Corporation (MSC) designs and manufactures custom load cells to meet unique force and torque measurement needs. MSC employs some of the world’s most experienced and creative engineers and physicists in the field of the design of Multi-Axis Load Cells. With our extensive expertise and innovative approach, we are confident we can deliver a solution that will work for your application.  MSC Standard Multi-Axis Load Cells and Adaptation Michigan Scientific has been designing and manufacturing Multi-Axis Load Cells for over 30 years. We currently manufacture 17 different standard models of Six Axis Load Cells and 14 standard Three Axis Load Cell models. Many of these standard Multi-Axis Load Cells are kept in stock for quick delivery times. When you bring a measurement application to MSC, our engineers will review your application with you to determine whether a standard Multi-Axis Load Cell can be used. If a standard load cell solution is possible, MSC will recommend which load cell model and some mounting concepts that will meet your project requirements. In addition to the load cell, MSC can quote the entire system design and provide all necessary mounting adapters.  Meeting Unique Requirements with Custom Solutions For some applications, a standard solution is not the best choice or even possible, so a custom load cell should be considered. When a project requires a custom solution, MSC engineers will work with the customer to define their requirements including, the number of measurement axes, load capacity, size limitations, accuracy, and quantity of load cells. Design concepts will then be proposed based on the information provided. MSC can design load cells compatible with clean, medical industry standards to highly corrosive industrial environments, with IP67 protection being attainable for many applications. MSC has provided both standard and custom load cells for many industries including automotive, military, heavy equipment, agricultural, aircraft, industrial, energy generation, and ship development.  Michigan Scientific will design and manufacture custom load cells for any quantity. Six Axis Calibration Capabilities MSC has one of the world’s largest Six Axis Load Cell calibration stands, capable of calibrating load cells up to 667 kN force and 203 kN ∙ m moment. If higher calibration loads are required, larger calibration fixturing can be built. Our calibrations are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Working with Michigan Scientific MSC will provide a free consultation to determine a system price and a basic design proposal.  After receipt of the PO or contract from a customer, the proposed design will be modified through direct consultation with the customer until a final design is approved.  To set up a load cell consultation, please fill out the Contact Us page. [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelApril 11, 2022Custom Strain Gauge Transducers Michigan Scientific specializes in designing and creating custom strain gauge transducers. Our engineers have expertise in gauging a wide variety of stock components. We develop and fabricate vehicle component strain gauge transducers that measure vehicle suspension forces, powertrain torques, steering component forces, engine and motor loads, and braking torques on vehicles in the field. Michigan Scientific is able to help customers obtain accurate data on the forces experienced by a part, while maintaining its strength and other characteristics as much as possible. Michigan Scientific engineers and technicians have completed applications across several industries. We specialize in custom applications.  Shaft Torque Transducer When applying strain gauges to a shaft, the goal is to obtain accurate data on the forces experienced by the shaft, while changing its strength and other characteristics as little as possible. The shaft then acts as a transducer itself. The strain gauged shaft, now a transducer, can be used in the same way as a standard shaft to measure the forces that occur in normal usage. Half Shaft Strain Gauging We strain gauge OEM half shafts to measure torque. The signals are amplified using our wheel instrumentation package (WIP) before they are transmitted by our ERT slip ring assembly. The ERT can provide speed and angular measurement signals too. The model PS-DC Remote Amplifier Control Unit controls the WIP and supplies power to the ERT. Driveshaft Strain Gauging Driveshafts can be gauged for torque and thrust. Michigan Scientific has developed a compensation bridge to reduce cross-talk from torque into the thrust bridge. After the shaft has been gauged, the data can be transferred from the shaft via telemetry or slip ring.  Crankshaft Transducer One of the more complex examples of a custom strain gauge transducer is creating a crankshaft transducer. Strain gauges are applied on a standard crankshaft in order to measure engine torque. The wires are routed through the crankshaft to connect to spinning amplifiers and a slip ring or telemetry system mounted on the pulley at the front of the engine. In these applications, multiple channels of strain measurements are collected for analysis. Axial Force Gauging Our custom tie rod end transducers can measure the axial forces acting on the tie rod during steering. Tie rod end transducers can replace the inner or outer tie rod end, based on customer needs. The custom tie rod transducer does not take up any additional space underneath the vehicle and no modification to the vehicle is required. Almost all tie rods can be made into custom tie rod transducers.  Shear Pin Transducer Each application is custom designed to fit your application. The transducers are all machined from transducer-grade stainless steel and have a weatherproof coating. Our shear pin transducer is suitable for in-field data collection in addition to laboratory test setups. The shear pin transducer is easily adaptable to a wide variety of applications, is designed to not change the position of other vehicle components, and requires minimal modification to other parts.   Check out our Common Custom Transducers blog for more information on how we instrument parts to be used as transducers. On-Site Strain Gauging     Michigan Scientific is capable of installing strain gauges on-site, at customer locations. Both component and structural applications can be instrumented for measurement and analysis. The customer’s components can be instrumented and data recorded to support a wide range of test and development activities. Components can be recorded during the manufacturing processes or in-service use. Michigan Scientific also has experience instrumenting structural beams for deflection and stress testing. Instrumentation applications range from circuit board instrumentation for monitoring stress, thermal chamber door panel monitored for deformation during manufacturing, and fully instrumented industrial sized drive shafts. In the large drive shaft application, torque, acceleration, and rotational velocity were measured on a 16 inch diameter drive shaft of a large cement plant ball mill. Michigan Scientific also collected and analyzed the data from this project. Michigan Scientific also uses decades of experience to install strain gauges in holes up to six inches deep and with a minimum diameter of 0.5 inches. Data Acquisition and Reporting Michigan Scientific provides on-site and remote data acquisition services for recording instrumented components under test. Additional data processing, analysis, and reporting services are also offered. [...] Read more...
Ted NachazelMarch 15, 2022NewsWheel Force Transducers (WFTs) are used to measure vehicle reaction forces during durability and vehicle dynamics testing. MSC WFTs are known for their durability, accuracy, simple installation, and ease of use. Installed on cars, SUVs, all sizes of trucks, ATVs, agriculture equipment and construction machinery, MSC has a wide range of WFT capacities to fit almost any wheeled vehicle. Wheel Force Transducer Michigan Scientific Corporation WFTs output three forces, three moments, two accelerations, wheel speed, and wheel position signals to provide complete spindle load data with extreme accuracy. All WFTs include both CAN and Analog signal outputs. Every system combines a high strength, lightweight transducer with weatherproofed protective coatings to function in a variety of driving conditions. Product engineers determine appropriate WFT rental models for any application providing availability, pricing, and customized adapter options. Rental systems can be shipped immediately if Michigan Scientific has already manufactured the hub and rim adapter. CAD models of the WFT adapter layout guidelines and design review are provided at no additional charge. Rental periods can be as short as two weeks, for customers who only need short term use.  System Components Michigan Scientific WFT rental systems include the WFT and the built in amplifier in either the Slip Ring or Telemetry system. The Stator Angle Corrector adjusts the real-time rotational angle signal from the wheel. The adjusted rotational angle signal is used in the coordinate transformation to prevent any error while the wheels are steered during dynamic testing. The WFT User Interface Electronics (CT2) provides high level CAN, Ethernet, and analog outputs. The CT2 accepts either analog or digital signals from the WFT. In addition, CT2 can also accept built in WFT accelerometer signals. All the signals together can be transmitted to the data acquisition system or computer through the digital outputs. The CAN signal cable is included, as well as the cabling for analog signal outputs. All the required cabling and fasteners are included to ensure easy setup. Adapters can be made available as needed. All systems are shopped in rugged packaging or shipping containers. Support Comprehensive support is available through phone, email, or on-site instruction. Michigan Scientific will provide on-site training and support at no charge if the facility is within 50 miles of Michigan Scientific. If the distance is greater, a travel fee would be charged.   [...] Read more...