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FLEXURE FACTS

Solved Application Story # 41

MARINE PROPULSION - Precision Encoder

THE CHALLENGE

The customer had an application where a precision encoder was being connected to a marine diesel engine output shaft. These engines power ocean-going super tankers, cruise ships, tug boats, etc. If the vibration and movement present at the diesel output shaft was transmitted to the encoder, it would cause signal errors and ultimately destroy the encoder.

While very little torque was required in the application, torsional stiffness and zero backlash were important design parameters. The customer also wanted low maintenance.

From a coupling design aspect, the application required large axial motion and parallel misalignment because of the assembly tolerances of the crankshaft. The initial design of the coupling met these criteria, but under certain engine operating conditions, the coupling allowed too much crankshaft vibration to reach the encoder. 

THE SOLUTION

It is much easier when Helical's Application Engineer can discuss the application directly with the customer's engineer. A revised design was created and a "no charge" sample sent for test and evaluation. Testing verified the new coupling provided better isolation of the encoder from the motor, and performance was still acceptable with a reduced torsional stiffness requirement. 

THE ANSWER

HELI-CAL^® Flexure Flexible Shaft Coupling # 6862X1