TechSolutions
Bulletin 9510/S025

Crankshaft and Water Pump Pulley Torque Sensors
for On-Board Automotive Engine Testing

Problem
A US automotive manufacturer needed to perform extensive tests to determine the long-term horsepower requirements between the automobile engine's crankshaft and water pump. The test would be conducted under the hood of a production vehicle that was on the road and in motion. The sensors when installed on the vehicle's engine could not use any space other than the space originally occupied by the engine's crankshaft and water pump pulleys.

Tech Solution
SensorData developed a crankshaft pulley torque sensor and a water pump pulley torque sensor for the cl ient. The pul ley t orque sensors were designed to be interchangeable with, and replace, in terms of "form, fit, and function," their respective pulley assemblies originally installed on the vehicle's engine. The pulley torque sensors did not encroach on any space other than the space that had been occupied by the engine's two pulley assemblies. The sensor's electronics were encapsulated and fully protected within each torque sensor. Signal conditioning was accomplished using an FM/FM telemetry system specifically designed to faithfully perform in the harsh electrical noise environment of the automobile's engine compartment. The dynamic test results obtained from the onboard sensors were significantly different from the empirically derived laboratory data. Verification of

Special Applications
SensorData welcomes and encourages inquiries for special load and force sensors, torque sensors and multi-component force sensors that incorporate strain gage technology. After consultation with a factory representative SensorData will endeavor to provide the client with a proposal for a sensor that represents a competent and practical solution.