Milwaukee Tool Fan Load Test Study
Problem statement
Currently Milwaukee Tool utilizes multiple systems to measure a torque load on a rotating tool. These systems include servo motors and AC motors as well as eddy current brakes which utilize electromagnetism to stop objects from moving . These methods are expensive, difficult to employ across multiple tool platforms and are unreliable in use on high speed tools with speeds ranging from 20,000-30,000 rpm. The introduction of a singular testing method that could be adopted to test all rotating tools at all speeds would allow for easier, cheaper and more streamlined testing. This would eliminate the fiscal concern of continued testing of products with multiple methods. The use of a fan-air resistance system to measure a torque load on a rotating shaft would alleviate these concerns. Our design solution will ultimately result in an adjustable system capable of testing the entire range of Milwaukee Tool products through the use of air resistance. We will determine how changes in fan design and characteristics affect the torque load on the tool and develop a system able to predict the torque output through the alteration of system parameters. We will prototype and test the fan loading system and propose a solution to Milwaukee Tool on how to simulate desired loads on different tools.
Team members
Sam Kachelek – leader
Collin Trafton – communicator
Kyle Vesely – accountant
Anthony Stoa – admin