Project Details
Projekt
Elastic couplings with integrated flexible dielectric elastomer sensors
Applicants
Professor Dr.-Ing. Berthold Schlecht; Dr.-Ing. Ernst-Friedrich Markus Vorrath; Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wallmersperger
Subject Area
Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development
Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
Mechanics
Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
Mechanics
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 466661922
Couplings are machine elements that enable power transmission between two shafts by means of a mechanical connection. Form-fitting torsionally flexible couplings are of great importance in drive technology, as they (i) are comparatively simple in design, (ii) can mitigate critical torque shocks and (iii) can dampen system-related dynamic vibrations. In the first phase of the project, flexible couplings, such as the jaw coupling, were equipped with sensors in order to determine loads during operation. Compliant, integrable dielectric elastomer sensors, including the necessary evaluation electronics, were developed for this purpose. The aim of the second phase of the project is to transfer the prototype of a sensor-integrating jaw coupling – developed in the first project phase – into an autonomously operating sensor-integrating machine element: This will be achieved in close and interdisciplinary cooperation between three participating working groups with special expertise. The Chair of Machine Elements at the Institute of Machine Elements and Machine Design (IMM), the Chair of Mechanics of Multifunctional Structures at the Institute of Solid Mechanics (IFKM) and the MEiTNER junior research group at the Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems (IHM) are working closely together to carry out both numerical and experimental investigations on real conventional and sensor-integrating jaw couplings. To enable the autonomous operation of the coupling, an energy-harvesting module is to be developed first. Furthermore, it will be investigated whether new damage mechanisms occur due to the changes in the coupling caused by the sensor integration, in order to be able to develop any necessary solutions. In addition, the focus is on investigating the thermal behavior of the coupling. Since the material behavior of the coupling is strongly temperature-dependent, a better understanding of the heat balance during operation is to be gained - among other things to optimize the position of the necessary temperature sensors. Furthermore, the material of the coupling also has viscoelastic properties. A suitable regression model should therefore be created. In addition to sufficient accuracy, this should also work as energy-efficiently as possible, as it is only powered by the energy provided by the energy-harvesting module. Finally, the knowledge gained in both phases of the project will be incorporated into the development of a calculation guideline for sensor-integrating jaw couplings.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
