Patent ID: 6401058
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G01M,G01N,G05B

Abstract:
A system for simulating a friction environment between first and second wear elements in frictional communication with one another, the system comprising:a first support arrangement for supporting the first wear element; a reciprocating drive arrangement for driving said first support arrangement reciprocatingly along a substantially axial path of reciprocation; a dynamic counterbalance arrangement coupled to said reciprocating drive arrangement; a rotatory drive coupling arrangement coupled to said reciprocating drive arrangement and to said dynamic couterbalance arrangement; a motor coupled to said rotatory drive coupling arrangement for supplying a rotatory mechanical energy thereto; a second support arrangement for supporting the second wear element, said second support arrangement being arranged to enable a tilt displacement of the second wear element with respect to the frictional communication with the first wear element, the tilt displacement of the second wear element being responsive to said reciprocating drive arrangement for simulating the frictional environment; a linear drive coupled to said second support arrangement for urging same in a direction transverse to said substantially axial path of reciprocation; and a force gauge coupled to said linear drive for producing an electrical force signal responsive to a force applied to said second support arrangement.