The Electronic Gearbox — Computer Software Replaces Mechanical Couplings
1982; Elsevier BV; Volume: 31; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0007-8506(07)63307-1
ISSN1726-0604
AutoresJ. Dinsdale, P. F. Jones, M. Thorneycroft, J. Loxham,
Tópico(s)Iterative Learning Control Systems
ResumoRecent work on eliminating the disadvantages of mechanical couplings has resulted in important new developments in real-time computer software. This result is the most recent development in work initiated by J. Loxham aimed at replacing the function of mechanical gearboxes with electrical actuators controlled in a low-error servo loop to provide the function of a high-performance gearbox but without the inevitable disadvantages of mechanical couplings. It is believed to be the first practical example of the application of CNC to continuous motion as opposed to point-to-point movement. The paper describes the Cranfield “electronic gearbox” which provides, either in software or hard-wired form, a higher level of performance than can be obtained from its mechanical counterpart. The electronic gearbox has been applied successfully to gear grinding and gear hobbing machines, and in each case the machine's performance has exhibited higher precision, higher productivity, and increased reliability, with the prospect of a lover capital cost since the prices of microprocessors and electronic components are falling in real terms.
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