Propped Cantilever Thrust Testing Rig

Abstract

The performance of a drone or remote-control aircraft is greatly impacted by the choice of motor. This innovation presents a novel propped cantilever style brushless DC motor thrust testing rig that provides more stability than traditional single lever rigs. Key performance characteristics of BLDC motors, such as thrust, torque, voltage applied to the motor, and current consumption, can be measured by the rig. These factors are essential for assessing motor performance and efficiency in various propeller configurations. The rig is equipped with a display that can produce data in real time. By connecting to a laptop, the user can upload readings to an Excel sheet. For the purpose of optimizing motor-propeller combinations, especially in drones and RC aircraft, this efficient testing apparatus is optimal.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The development of testing rigs for measuring the thrust produced by drone motors is the invention's specific application to the fields of aeronautical engineering and drone propulsion systems. The invention is more broadly classified as mechanical engineering and instrumentation, with a particular emphasis on structures intended to measure force precisely. This invention addresses the need for precise, reliable, and adaptable testing setups in the assessment and optimization of drone propulsion systems using a propped cantilever beam structure.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] Drone technology advancements have led to a focus on drone propulsion systems, with thrust affecting lift, stability, performance, and endurance. Accurate measurements of motor thrust are essential for optimizing efficiency and selecting suitable propeller-motor combinations.
[003] To evaluate the drone's performance, stability, endurance, and efficiency, typical drone motor thrust testing equipment is necessary. However, they have drawbacks such as instability and deflection. Propped cantilever beams are a modern design that offers better load distribution, reduced deflection, and enhanced measurement accuracy. Drone technology is advancing, and with it comes the need for more precise, stable, and adaptable testing setups.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] This propped cantilever thrust testing rig introduces a novel design with a propped cantilever structure that enhances measurement accuracy by providing stability. Since the rig is positioned at the end of a workbench, changing propellers is simple and can accommodate a variety of propeller diameters. This adaptable arrangement is ideal for maximizing motor performance with various propeller setups.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS
[005] Figure 1 illustrates the CAD model of Propped cantilever thrust test rig.
[006] Figure 2 illustrates the assembled Propped cantilever thrust test rig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[007] The assembly of Propped cantilever thrust testing rig's structure comprises 3 components: a beam, linear guide assembly with support, Motor mount assembly, Load cell assembly for torque measurement, Load cell assembly for thrust measurement and Bench mount assembly.
[008] A linear guide is fixed on the one side of the beam this is to accommodate the linear deflection. this guide allows 1 degree of freedom. The linear guide is mounted on the support and fixed to the base.
[009] Load cell which is used to measure thrust is fixed at another end of the beam. This assembly is mounted on the base.
[010] A motor mount assembly is attached to the front end of the beam. this features a motor mount with spacers. And a motor can be mounted on to this assembly.
[011] The torque may be measured since the motor mount can revolve on its axis. To measure the torque, a bracket is attached to the end of the spacer and connected to the torque measuring load cell. Load cell to measure torque is fixed above the beam.
[012] To measure the motor's speed, a speed measurement sensor is installed at the motor mount.
[013] In order to secure the rig to the work bench, the base can further be equipped with bench holders.
[014] Thrust measurement: The load cell at the end of the beam, which is fastened vertically to the base, provides structural support and measures the thrust. The provided linear guide allows for the beam's linear movement caused by the thrust force.
[015] Torque measurement: The load cell at the front, which is positioned horizontally above the beam, measures the torque. When the motor spins with a load, the motor mount which is attached to the beam, exerts force on the torque-measuring load cell. The vertical distance between the motor axis and the load cell is multiplied with the exerted force to determine the torque.
[016] Voltage supplied and Current consumption measurement: A voltage sensor is used to measure the voltage supplied to the motor. The current sensor is used to measure the motor's current consumption. Both sensors are connected in between the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and the power source.
[017] Speed measurement: A speed sensor is fixed to the motor mount to measure the speed of the motor.
[018] Output: The measurements are displayed on the provided display. Additionally, the readings can be recorded on the excel sheet via usb. , C , Claims:[019] 1. Stability of Propped Cantilever Design: Compared to traditional single-lever designs, the testing rig's propped cantilever construction offers improved stability and accuracy during thrust measurement.
[020] 2. Versatile Propeller Testing: The rig enables users to quickly change out propellers and maximize performance for a variety of configurations by supporting the testing of motors with varying propeller diameters.
[021] 3. Real-Time Data Display: Users can effortlessly monitor performance due to the rig's inbuilt display, which offers real-time feedback on all measured parameters.
[022] 4. Data Logging: When the system is linked to a laptop, it can upload test data to an Excel sheet for detailed evaluation and documentation.
[023] 5. Improved Structural Design: The rig's placement at the end of a workbench reduces movement and vibration, allowing for steady and precise readings even at high thrust levels.
[024] 6. User-Friendly Interface and Setup: The testing rig's simple setup and user-friendly interface make it suitable for usage by professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts of all skill levels.
[025] 7. Compact and Portable Design: The rig's design allows for flexibility in test situations and is ideal for bench testing.

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