The goals of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) include optimizing operational efficiency, reducing costs in production and monitoring devices or machines. Various production processes can be better adapted to specified requirements on the basis of collected and processed data. Modern methods, such as predictive maintenance and artificial intelligence in machines, can be used to continuously improve process reliability. This can shorten throughput times and increase product quality.

In the field of drive technology, it is not always possible to collect the required data with little effort. In a rotating drive train, it is difficult to record measurement data because direct networking via a cable is not possible or the required installation space is not available. With the intelligent coupling, R+W Antriebselemente offers a user-friendly and flexible hardware and software solution.

Networked drive train

The intelligent clutch is an upgraded series clutch that offers additional functions in the field of measurement technology thanks to an integrated sensor system. The sensor system measures torque, speed, acceleration, rotation and position in space. This data is processed directly in the internal electronics and simultaneously transmitted and displayed on a wirelessly connected mobile device. The mechanical properties of the clutch are not affected by the integrated electronics. It can also compensate for axial, lateral and angular misalignment and transmit torque.

The installation options in the drive train are not restricted by a permanent cable connection. Use in confined spaces or in mobile applications is possible thanks to an integrated rechargeable battery. The measurement data can be sent to a smartphone or tablet almost in real time using the R+W app via a Bluetooth low-energy connection. Optionally with a high transmission rate of 500 Hz or with particularly low power consumption. On the mobile device, software displays the data as an average value and with min/max memory in configurable views. Various scalable diagram types track the course of the measured variables. In the multi-graph, for example, any number of measured variables can be displayed on top of each other. The app can also be used to visualize measurement data from several couplings simultaneously and clearly in one diagram. For further analysis purposes, the measurement data can be saved as a CSV file and imported into Excel on a computer.

For more transparency in the drivetrain

The intelligent multi-plate clutch with integrated sensors can measure variables such as torque and speed. © R + W

The intelligent clutch is a smart alternative to a torque transducer. It measures various variables with high measuring accuracy and remains cost-effective at the same time. The intelligent sensor technology enables data measurements without the need to install an external measuring amplifier. Another advantage is the small installation space that the clutch requires for installation, as no complex auxiliary construction is needed for installation. The intelligent clutch can be quickly and easily installed in the drivetrain and integrated into existing systems. Alternatively, the sensor system can also be retrofitted to existing clutches.

The combinable, time-dependent measured variables can be used, among other things, to achieve a better assessment and transparency of the dynamic behavior in the rotating drive train. By determining torques and forces, failure and downtimes can be reduced or prevented in order to increase system availability and reliability.

The intelligent multi-plate clutches will be followed by other models with integrated sensors in 2020. But the full potential is far from exhausted. New functions and various algorithms for evaluating the measurement data will ensure that the clutch becomes even smarter and sets new standards on the market.

According to documents from R+W Antriebselemente / ag