Patent ID: 6167745
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A traction or friction testing apparatus, comprising: a first traction surface; a second traction surface constructed and arranged to, in use, contact said first traction surface, said first and second traction surfaces being arranged for rotational engagement therebetween; a support structure constructed and arranged to support said first and second traction surfaces with respect to one another whilst allowing rotational movement therebetween; drive means operable to effect differential rotation between said first and second traction surfaces and thereby to generate a traction or friction force therebetween; and force measuring means associated with at least one of said first and second traction surfaces to provide a measure arising from said traction or friction force, wherein the force arising between said first and second traction surfaces due to friction or traction therebetween is solely by elastic deformation of one or both of said support structure and said force measuring means; wherein the support structure includes first support means arranged to rotatably mount said first traction surface and second support means arranged to rotatably support said second traction surface, said first and second support means being relatively displaceable to allow the first and second traction surfaces to be moved into contact with one another, with their respective axes of rotation lying in a substantially common plane; wherein the second support means includes stiff elastic flexure means arranged to permit elastic movement of the second traction surface with respect to the first traction surface in the direction of a friction or traction force generated between said first and second traction surfaces, yet resist movement of the second traction surface in orthogonal directions; and wherein the force measuring means comprises a linear force transducer mounted to detect the force applied to the second traction surface due to traction or frictional engagement with said first traction surface, and is very much stiffer than said stiff elastic flexure means.