Stromag’s unique, pre-engineered single-piece combinations replace the need for expensive custom solutions.

Equipment and machinery OEMs worldwide are continually challenged to design cost-effective drivetrains that fit in ever-shrinking spaces. In the case of mobile equipment designers, reducing overall system weight is also a critically important consideration.

Sourcing individual drivetrain couplings and clutches can be time-consuming as engineers hold interface clarification meetings with elastic coupling and clutch suppliers while also ensuring that quality, reliability, efficiency, vibration, footprint, weight, and cost requirements are met.

As the only major power transmission component manufacturer in the world to offer both couplings and clutches, Stromag is uniquely positioned to respond to the growing demand for more innovative drivetrain solutions. Founded in 1932, Stromag, part of Altra Motion, has grown to become a globally recognized leader in the development and manufacture of innovative power transmission components for a wide spectrum of industrial drivetrain applications.

The Stromag engineering team recently designed a new line of unique, modular 2in1 coupling/clutch combination assemblies. The pre-engineered combinations feature an existing Stromag flexible coupling configured with an existing switchable clutch model for a compact, single-piece solution.

Depending on the application, various models from the performance-proven line up of Stromag couplings and clutches are combined for electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation. Suitable 2in1 solutions are available for nearly every combination between drive electric motors or diesel engines, and pumps, generators, and belt drives. The power spectrum of the 2in1 clutch/coupling combinations ranges from a few hundred to several ten thousand Newton meters.

“Smart” modular design concept reduces lead times

“Instead of designing ‘from scratch’ to meet specific customer requirements, the 2in1 modular ‘smart’ design concept allows our engineers to select from a carefully pre-configured family of paired flexible couplings and clutches. These compact pre-engineered combinations can then be quickly modified to meet particular customer needs.” said Ralph Breuer, director of engineering and product management at Stromag.

This modular design approach can significantly reduce costs and lead times. OEMs can experience the cost-saving advantages while more easily meeting tighter delivery schedules. Plus, time-consuming meetings between elastic coupling and clutch suppliers to ensure component compatibility are no longer necessary.

Popular Stromag couplings, including plug-in, highly flexible Periflex VN disc couplings, TRI-R couplings featuring a combination ring element and diaphragm, and highly elastic SSC steel spring couplings, are all precisely calculated to damp torsional vibrations to an absolute minimum.

Breuer explains, “Stromag‘s know-how in Torsional Vibration Analysis (TVA) constitutes the core of each coupling design. It provides a comprehensive analysis of loads in the crankshaft, coupling, and driven side to ensure that no critical speeds occur during operation.”

Unevenly rotating systems can severely degrade product quality and cause great harm to the powertrain. The TVA experts at Stromag work daily on the challenge of detecting such deviations by measuring them and protecting the entire powertrain with ideal product selection. Stromag calculates stationary and transient operating conditions while considering the stiffness and damping of a particular coupling’s elastomers.

Stromag flexible couplings also accommodate various levels of radial, axial and angular misalignment, depending on the model. All couplings meet the following industry classifications: ABS, Lloyd’s, CCS, Bureau Veritas, and DNV-GL.

Reliable Stromag MWU electromagnetic pole-face friction clutches, KHA and KHR multi-disc clutches, and KPR clutches have a proven record of long-life performance in a variety of demanding applications.

Since the 2in1 combinations are configured into a single piece, there is no need for individual housings, bushings, or keyways. These part reductions combine to provide weight savings which are especially important for marine and mobile equipment applications.

Stromag combination assemblies are provided as an open-running solution which is required for resiliently mounted engines and rigidly arranged drive lines. However, if desired, the combination units can be integrated into a single SAE housing for direct mounting to diesel engines. Stands and IIoT options are also available.

The unique 2in1 coupling/clutch combination units can be incorporated in a variety of applications across many industries. However, they are particularly popular for marine applications. According to Breuer, “The key to our success in the marine market certainly lies in our high level of marine application engineering know-how. We have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of marine applications allowing us to quickly and confidently design our solutions to meet specific requirements.”

“We have seen increased demand for these compact 2in1 assemblies partially due to the growing usage of marine hybrid drive systems or alternative drive train solutions due to ecological restrictions in or near harbor areas,” Breuer said.

Various 2in1 combination assemblies are also ideally suited for use on a range of off-highway construction and agricultural machinery, including asphalt milling machines, dozers, excavators, tractors, and combines.

In these types of construction and ag applications, enclosed units for direct mounting on internal combustion engines according to the SAE standard are used on air compressors and hydraulic fluid pump drives. Units can also be utilized on belted drives applications such as asphalt milling machines. Output-side is designed for easy “Plug & Play” connection to work machines.

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers. Connect, share, and learn today »

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us