Description
The Coupled Drives apparatus shows the problems of controlling speed and tension in coupled drives. Many applications use coupled drives, for example: magnetic tape drives, textile machines and paper mills. The apparatus has two electric motors, coupled by a continuous fl exible belt. The belt also passes over a swinging arm with a ‘jockey wheel’ that measures the belt speed and tension. A manual control allows the user to adjust the spring tension at the swinging arm. The basic control problem is to vary the torque in the motors to regulate the belt speed and tension. The user guide also shows techniques for speed and tension control, simultaneous control of velocity and tension, and analysis of multivariable control systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Independent control of speed and tension
- Simultaneous control of speed and tension
- Practical methods of controlling multi-variable electromechanical systems
- The flexible design of the equipment allows the user to develop many other analysis and control exercises to suit their needs. It is good for extended or advanced control experiments, and is ideal for student project work.
Specifications
Atico is committed to a programme of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specifcation without prior notice.
Nett dimensions and weight:
540 mm x 330 mm x 625 mm, 20 kg
Packed dimensions and weight:
0.37 m3, 30 kg (approx – packed for export)
Inputs: 0 to 10 VDC
Motors 1 and 2: 0 to +/– 10 VDC
Outputs: 0 to 10 VDC
Motors 1 and 2: speed
Belt tension: 0 to +/– 10 VDC
Jockey pulley speed: 0 to +/– 10 VDC
Other controls:
Swinging arm spring tension
Other parts included:
Connecting cables and spare belts
Operating Conditions
- Operating Environment:
Laboratory - Storage Temprature Range :
–25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport) - Operating Temprature range:
+5°C to +40°C - Operating relative humidity range:
80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
