Ever wonder just how much testing went into developing all of the cars that drive around? Each vehicle model goes through extensive brake testing and efficiency testing, just to name a few. These tests involve many rotating components. Michigan Scientific Corporation specializes in helping companies make rotating measurements and manufacturing automotive test equipment. One tried and true method for making these measurements, is using a slip ring assembly.
What are slip rings?
Michigan Scientific has been manufacturing slip ring assemblies for over fifty years. Slip rings are a great way to get accurate, reliable measurements for temperature, strain, and torque. A slip ring assembly has a rotating component and a stationary component. The rotating side is used to connect to sensors that have been routed from vehicle components. Inside the slip ring, an electrical connection is made from the rotating side, to the stationary side. The stationary side is then connected to a data acquisition system (DAQ).
Slip Ring Assemblies in Vehicles
Slip ring assemblies can be used with many different types of vehicles; from passenger cars and semi-trucks, to agricultural equipment and ATV’s. Michigan Scientific end of shaft slip ring assemblies mount outboard on vehicle wheels and can be connected to strain gauges, thermocouples, and other sensors.
It is important to know how much heat is generated while a vehicle is braking. Thermocouples can be can be attached to spinning parts, such as brake rotors or wheels, and routed to a slip ring that is mounted to the outside of the vehicle wheel, making the temperature measurements easily accessible. Slip rings can also help determine drivetrain efficiency and loads by directly instrumenting the transmission, and routing those wires to a slip ring.
Michigan Scientific slip ring assemblies are designed to work in many different vehicle testing applications. They are ruggedized and weatherproof to allow for accurate, in-field testing. To start discussing your vehicle testing application contact a Michigan Scientific application engineer today.