Axiometrix solutions Imc wft-cx User manual

imcTest & Measurement GmbH • Voltastr.5 • 13355Berlin • Germany

WFT-Cx and -Cxs 6-component wheel

Manual

Edition 4 - 08.07.2022

Page 2

Disclaimer of liability

The contents of this documentation have been carefully checked for consistency with the hardware and

software systems described. Nevertheless, it is impossible to completely rule out inconsistencies, so that we

decline to offer any guarantee of total conformity.

We reserve the right to make technical modifications of the systems.

This documentation is the intellectual property of imcTest & Measurement GmbH. imcTest &

Measurement GmbH reserves all rights to this documentation. The applicable provisions are stipulated in

the "imc Software License Agreement".

The software described in this document may only be used in accordance with the provisions of the "imc

Software License Agreement".

Open Source Software Licenses

Some components of imc products use software which is licensed under the GNU General Public License

(GPL). Details are available in the About dialog.

A list of the open source software licenses for the imc measurement devices is located on the

imcSTUDIO/imcWAVE installation medium in the folder "Products\imc DEVICES\OSS" or "Products\imc

DEVICEcore\OSS". If you wish to receive a copy of the GPL sources used, please contact our Hotline.

Page 3

TableofContents

1 General introduction ................................................................................................. 5

1.1 Customer support / Hotline ........................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Legal notice ..................................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Customized cable manufacturing .................................................................................................. 8

1.4 Notes regarding this manual .......................................................................................................... 8

2 Safety ........................................................................................................................ 9

3 Delivery and operation ............................................................................................ 12

3.1 After unpacking ............................................................................................................................ 12

3.2 Before commissioning .................................................................................................................. 12

3.3 Notes on connecting .................................................................................................................... 14

4 Maintenance and service ......................................................................................... 16

4.1 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................ 16

4.2 Calibration .................................................................................................................................... 16

4.3 Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 16

4.4 Transport ...................................................................................................................................... 16

5 WFT - 6-component wheel force transducer ............................................................ 17

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 17

5.2 Usage ............................................................................................................................................ 17

6 Fundamentals .......................................................................................................... 18

6.1 Forces and Torques ...................................................................................................................... 19

6.2 Coordinate Transformation of the Measurement Values ........................................................... 21

6.3 Radial displacement ..................................................................................................................... 22

6.4 Axial displacement: Offset a ........................................................................................................ 22

6.5 Sample rate .................................................................................................................................. 24

6.6 Zero Balance ................................................................................................................................. 24

7 Technical Components ............................................................................................. 25

7.1 Sensor with integrated electronics .............................................................................................. 25

7.2 WFT adaptor for stationary application ....................................................................................... 25

7.3 WFT interface (CRFX/WFT-2) ....................................................................................................... 26

7.4 Hub adaptor, modified rim .......................................................................................................... 27

8 Installation and Configuration ................................................................................. 28

8.1 Installation of the sensor ............................................................................................................. 28

8.2 CRFX/WFT-2 Hardware Setup ...................................................................................................... 40

8.3 Configuration with imc STUDIO ................................................................................................... 40

8.4 Preparing and performing measurement .................................................................................... 45

8.5 Compensation "Axial/Radial displacement" ................................................................................ 54

9 Technical Specs ........................................................................................................ 55

9.1 WFT sensors ................................................................................................................................. 55

9.2 CRFX module (CRFX/WFT-2) ......................................................................................................... 56

Page 4

TableofContents

Index .......................................................................................................................... 57

Page 5

Customer support / Hotline Chapter 1

1 General introduction

1.1 Customer support / Hotline

If you have problems or questions, please contact our Customer Support / Hotline.

imc Test & Measurement GmbH

Hotline:

+49 30 467090-26

E-Mail:

hotline@imc-tm.de

Internet:

www.imc-tm.de

International partners

You can find the international sales partners on the Internet at

https://www.imc-tm.com/imc-worldwide/

You will help us with inquiries if you can name the serial number of your devices as well as the version

designation of the software. You should also have this documentation at hand. Thank you very much!

1.2 Legal notice

Quality management

imc Test & Measurement GmbH holds the ISO9001 certification. You can download the certification and

information about our quality system on our website:

https://www.imc-tm.com/about-imc/quality-assurance

Warranty

Subject to the general terms and conditions of imc Test & Measurement GmbH.

Page 6

Legal notice Chapter 1

Liability restrictions

All information and notes in this manual have been compiled taking into account the applicable standards and

regulations, the state of the art and our many years of knowledge and experience.

The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage due to:

Non-observance of the manual

Non-intended use

Important information for customers who want to make their own adaptors for

the sensors

imc also manufactures customer specific adaptors for the sensors against payment, so that the sensors can be

installed professionally at the customer's site and used according to the contract.

If customers produce the adaptors on their own request, imc points out the following as a precaution:

The contractual usability of imc sensors requires that they are installed professionally with custom-made

adaptors. Otherwise, the contractual usability and especially the compliance with the specifications given

for the sensors cannot be guaranteed.

The customer's claims for defects against imc for adaptors manufactured by the customer himself extend

only to the sensors and not to the adaptors. imc does not assume any liability for defects that the imc

sensors can be used with the adaptors manufactured by the customer according to the contract, especially

that the specifications given for the imc sensors are met. If the customer makes the adaptors himself, imc

is not liable for defects. This does not apply if the customer can prove that his own production is not the

cause of the defect.

Furthermore, the General Terms and Conditions of imc Test & Measurement GmbH apply.

Guarantee

Each device undergoes several quality tests before leaving production. In the process, almost every early failure

is detected. Nevertheless, it is possible that a component fails only after a longer period of operation. For this

reason, all imc products come with a two-year functional warranty. The prerequisite is that no changes have

been made in the device.

Unauthorized intervention in the device voids any warranty claim.

ElektroG, RoHS 2, WEEE, CE

The imcTest & Measurement GmbH is registered with the authority as follows:

WEEE Reg. no. DE 43368136

valid from 24.11.2005

Page 7

Legal notice Chapter 1

Notes on radio interference suppression

WFT-Cx or -Cxs sensors satisfy the EMC requirements for an use in industrial settings.

WFT-Cx or -Cxs sensors satisfy the EMC requirements for unrestricted use in industrial settings. Any additional

devices connected to the WFT-Cx or -Cxs sensors must satisfy the EMC requirements as specified by the

responsible authority (within Europe1) in Germany the BNetzA - "Bundesnetzagentur" (formerly BMPT-Vfg. No.

1046/84 or No. 243/91) or EC Guidelines 2014/30/EU. All products which satisfy these requirements must be

appropriately marked by the manufacturer or display the CE certification marking.

Products not satisfying these requirements may only be used with special approval of the regulating body in the

country where operated.

All lines connected to the device should not be longer than 30m and they should be shielded and the shielding

must be grounded.

Note

The EMC tests were carried out using shielded and grounded input and output cables with the exception of

the power cord. Observe this condition when designing your experiment to ensure high interference

immunity and low jamming.

1 If you are located outside Europe, please refer the appropriate EMC standards used in the country of operation.

FCC Notice

WFT-Cx or -Cxs sensors has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant

to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If

this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of

the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult our imc Hotline or an experienced technician for help.

Modifications

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not

expressly approved by imc may void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Page 8

Legal notice Chapter 1

1.3 Customized cable manufacturing

To comply with the limits for Class B equipment under Part 15 of the FCC Rules, all signal lines connected to the

meter must be shielded and the shield must be connected.

Unless otherwise indicated, all connecting cables must not be long cables as defined by IEC 61326-1 (<30m).

LAN cables (RJ45) and CAN bus cables (DSUB-9) are excluded from this. Only cables with suitable properties for

the task (e.g. isolation to protect against electric shock) may be used. Independently performed modifications to

cables will void the manufacturer's functional warranty.

1.4 Notes regarding this manual

This document provides important notes on using the device. Safe working is conditional on compliance with all

safety measures and instructions provided.

Additionally, all accident prevention and general safety regulations pertinent to the location at which the device

is used must be adhered to.

These instructions exclusively describe the device, not how to operate it by means of the software!

Explanation of symbols

Reference

... indicates where to find further or related information.

Note

... highlights useful tips and recommendations as well as information for efficient

and trouble-free operation.

Warning

... indicates a hazardous situation or even a potentially hazardous situation that may

result in property hazardous situation that may result in property damage if not avoided.

Attention

... indicates a possible risk of injury.

Help us to improve the documentation and the products:

Working with the device could be improved by changing the mechanics?

There are terms or descriptions in the manual or technical data that are incomprehensible?

What additions and extensions do you suggest?

Page 9

Chapter 2

2 Safety

This section provides an overview of all important aspects of protection of the users for reliable and trouble-free

operation. Failure to comply with the instructions and protection notes provided here can result in serious

danger.

Responsibility of the operator

Along with the work safety procedures described in this document, the user must also conform to regulations

for safety, accident prevention and environmental protection which apply to the work site. If the product is not

used in a manner specified by the manufacturer, the protection supported by the product may be impaired.

Operating personnel

This document identifies the following qualifications for various fields of activity:

Users of measurement engineering: Fundamentals of measurement engineering. Basic knowledge of electrical

engineering is recommended. Familiarity with computers and the Microsoft Windows operating system. Users

must not open or structurally modify the measurement device.

Qualified personnel are able, due to training in the field and to possession of skills, experience and familiarity

with the relevant regulations, to perform work assigned while independently recognizing any hazards.

Warning

Danger of injury due to inadequate qualifications!

Improper handling may lead to serious damage to personnel and property. When in doubt, consult qualified

personnel.

Work which may only be performed by trained imc personnel may not be performed by the user. Any

exceptions are subject to prior consultation with the manufacturer and are conditional on having obtained

corresponding training.

Page 10

Chapter 2

Special hazards

This segment states what residual dangers have been identified by the hazard analysis. Observe the safety notes

listed here and the warnings appearing in subsequent chapters of this manual in order to reduce health risks and

to avoid dangerous situations. Existing ventilation slits on the sides of the device must be kept free to prevent

heat accumulation inside the device. Please operate your device only in the standard operating orientation.

Danger

Lethal danger from electric current!

Contact with conducting parts is associated with immediate lethal danger.

Damage to the insulation or to individual components can be lethally dangerous.

Therefore:

In case of damage to the insulation, immediately cut off the power supply and have repair

performed.

Work on the electrical equipment must be performed exclusively by expert electricians.

During all work performed on the electrical equipment, it must be deactivated and tested for

static potential.

Injuries from hot surfaces!

Devices from imc are designed so that their surface temperatures do not exceed limits

stipulated in EN 61010-1 under normal conditions.

Therefore:

Surfaces whose temperature can exceed the limits under circumstances are denoted by the

symbol shown at left.

Industrial safety

This certification has the sole purpose of releasing imc from the obligation to have the electrical equipment

tested prior to first use (§ 5 Sec. 1, 4 of DGUV Regulation3). This does not affect guarantee and liability

regulations of the civil code.

For repeat tests, a test voltage that is 1.5 times the specified working voltage should be used to test the isolation

for the highly isolated inputs (e.g. measurement inputs for high-voltage applications).

previously BGV A3.

Page 11

Chapter 2

Observe notes and warnings

Devices from imc have been carefully designed, assembled and routinely tested in accordance with the safety

regulations specified in the included certificate of conformity and has left imc in perfect operating condition. To

maintain this condition and to ensure continued danger-free operation, the user should pay particular attention

to the remarks and warnings made in this chapter. In this way, you protect yourself and prevent the device from

being damaged.

Read this document before turning on the device for the first time carefully.

Warning

Before touching the device sockets and the lines connected to them, make sure static electricity is diverted

to ground. Damage arising from electrostatic discharge is not covered by the warranty.

Page 12

After unpacking Chapter 3

3 Delivery and operation

3.1 After unpacking

The delivery must be checked for completeness and transport damage immediately upon receipt. In case of

externally visible transport damage, proceed as follows:

Do not accept the delivery or accept it only with reservations,

Note the extent of the damage on the transport documents/delivery bill of the carrier,

Initiate a complaint.

After unpacking, check the unit for mechanical damage and loose parts inside. If there is transport damage, imc

customer service must be informed immediately. The unit must then not be put into operation.

Check the supplied accessories for completeness according to the scope of delivery.

Note

Complain about any defect as soon as it is detected. Claims for damages can only be asserted within the

applicable complaint periods.

3.2 Before commissioning

Before using the WFT-Cx or -Cxs sensors, the user must have read and understood the manual, especially the

instructions for installation and use. Of particular importance are the hub and rim adapters, which must be

inspected and maintained according to the instructions in this manual - before and after each test drive.

The bolts used must be tightened according to the specification. After heavy force or long test drives, the

strength of all wheel nuts and adapter bolts must be checked to ensure safe and reliable operation. Loose

fasteners can damage system components.

Rims that have been subjected to extreme endurance tests on the test track must not be used for further driving

tests.

Page 13

Before commissioning Chapter 3

Before putting the WFT-Cx and -Cxs into operation, the user must have read and understood the instruction

manual, especially its information concerning installation and operation. Safe working is conditional on

compliance with all safety measures and instructions provided. It is particularly important that the hub and rim

adapters and the wheel bolts are inspected and maintained – before and after each test drive.

Assembly bolts must be properly tightened according to specification. Following extreme loading or extended

tests the tightness of all lug nuts and rim/hub adapters bolts should be re-checked to ensure safe and reliable

operation. Loose fasteners can lead to damage of system components.

Rims which have been subjected to extreme durability test loads on the proving ground test track must not be

used for further test drives on public roads. Operation of the WFT-sensor in public traffic is at the user's own

risk.

Warning

WFT-Cx and -Cxs test equipment on public roads

Driving with WFT-Cx and -Cxs test equipment on public roads is done at the sole risk of the user/purchaser.

It should be clearly understood that the proper use of WFT testing equipment normally involves short-term

vehicle dynamic and durability tests under specially prepared proving ground and test track road conditions.

The data obtained is then most often used to establish load profiles and spectra for use on fatigue machines,

tire testing / rim test and road load simulation rigs.

Any driving tests which replicate vehicle misuse such as colliding with the curb, driving over open road gullies,

or on extreme road conditions may significantly reduce the working life of your WFT-Cx and -Cxs. In order to

keep the mechanical stress on the sensor as low as possible, restrict these kind of tests to a minimum.

The WFT-Cx and -Cxs may only be used to set up test rigs for suspension durability or tire tests. As soon as the

desired load profile has been programmed, the WFT-Cx and -Cxs is to be removed from the test rig. Under no

circumstances the device is to be used as a sensor in the feedback loop of a test rig for a longer period of time!

Additionally, the WFT-Cx and -Cxs is not designed for extensive long-term tests with dozens or hundreds of test-

track loops, e.g. for durability tests of suspension and tires. Such tests may only be performed with standard

wheels, as is usual in the development of WFTs and simulators.

The WFT-Cx and -Cxs is waterproof according to IP67. In order to protect the electronic components from ingress

of moisture, the device has to be cleaned and put into a dry environment immediately after usage in rain or in

moist conditions. Do not store the sensors in a moist environment.

Do not store the WFT-Cx and -Cxs in a moist environment!

Page 14

Before commissioning Chapter 3

3.3 Notes on connecting

3.3.1 Precautions for operation

Certain ground rules for operating the system, aside from reasonable safety measures, must be observed to

prevent danger to the user, third parties, the device itself and the measurement object. These are the use of the

system in conformity to its design, and the refraining from altering the system, since possible later users may not

be properly informed and may ill-advisedly rely on the precision and safety promised by the manufacturer.

Note

If you determine that the device cannot be operated in a non-dangerous manner, then the device is to be

immediately taken out of operation and protected from unintentional use. Taking this action is justified under

any of the following conditions:

I. the device is visibly damaged,

II. loosed parts can be heard within the device,

III. the device does not work,

IV. the device has been stored for a long period of time under unfavorable conditions (e.g. outdoors or in

high-humidity environments).

1. Observe the specs in the chapter "Technical Specs " and the application hints about the individual system

in order to prevent damage to the unit through inappropriate signal connection.

2. Note when designing your experiments that all input and output leads must be provided with shielding

which is connected to the ground ("CHASSIS") at one end in order to ensure high resistance to

interference and noisy transmission.

3. Unused, open channels (having no defined signal) should not be configured with sensitive input ranges

since otherwise the measurement data could be affected. Configure unused channels with a broad input

range or short them out. The same applies to channels not configured as active.

4. Avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight.

Page 15

Notes on connecting Chapter 3

3.3.2 Important Safety Considerations

Safety of all persons operating or observing test vehicles is a primary concern when using

WFT-Cx and -Cxs. Please regard the following safety considerations:

It is strongly recommended to create and use a check list of critical items and operations that must be

verified before and after each test routine.

Integration and installation is to be done by a qualified and trained person. It is recommended to inspect

and test the installation by a second qualified person to verify compliance with the requirements.

For measurements with wheel force transducers, the standard wheels of the test vehicle are replaced by

the WFT-Cx and -Cxs.

Attention

Proper installation, tightening of all fasteners and continuous strength checks are extremely important for the

safety of all parties involved.

The following components must properly tightened and checked on a regular basis: lug nuts and/or lug

bolts, test rim attachment bolts, hub adapter attachment bolts, attachment bolts of stator unit, fastening

of stator cable.

Upon completion of testing, the remaining tightness of all fasteners is to be checked. Usage of the WFT-Cx

and -Cxs with loose fasteners is a safety risk and may lead to unprecise measurement data.

Reference

Please observe important information for customers who want to make their own adaptors for the sensors.

Page 16

Maintenance Chapter 4

4 Maintenance and service

4.1 Maintenance

No special maintenance is required. Corrective work may only be carried out by imcTest & Measurement GmbH.

If you have any complaints, please enclose a note with the device containing a brief description of the fault. If

the name and telephone number of the sender are also written on the note, this will help us to process the

complaint quickly.

4.2 Calibration

The manufacturer recommends a yearly calibration of the WFT-Cx or the -Cxs sensors.

Reference

Calibration

For further information on the calibration process, please contact imc or your local distributor.

4.3 Storage

When storing the WFT-Cx or the -Cxs, it has to be protected against:

Electrostatic charging (which may lead to destruction of electronic parts)

Humidity (which leads to corrosion)

Permissible storage temperature: -10...40 °C

Note

Storage

The cables required for operation of the WFT-Cx or the -Cxs sensors must be stored without kinks. The

individual modules must not be damaged mechanically when being packed.

4.4 Transport

Only transport the device in the original packaging or in suitable packaging that provides protection against

impact and shock. In case of damage, please inform the customer service immediately. Transport damage is

excluded from the warranty claim.

Page 17

Chapter 5

5 WFT - 6-component wheel force transducer

In motor vehicle development, 6 component wheel force transducers (WFTs) are used to determine and record

forces and torques at the wheels during test drives – in all three dimensions, resulting in 3 forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and

3 torques (Mx, My, Mz).

The measurement results generate the data used for computer simulations or as input parameters for test rig

systems. The WFT-Cx and the WFT-Cxs is a wheel force transducer which is not only waterproof, but furthermore

provide a higher thermal and mechanic load to perform even in off road tests of cars in any weather conditions.

The entire signal processing system relies on extremely short signal lead lengths. Each strain gauge signal is

digitized individually, all channels are recorded simultaneously.The wheel force transducers (WFTs) can be used

on small to large cars (minimum wheel size: 14 inches), but also on SUVs and light trucks (maximum hub

diameter: 5.5 inches).

5.1 Introduction

30 years of experience in the development and application of strain gauge based wheel force transducers (WFTs)

has resulted in the development the WFT-Cx and -Cxs sensors.

The WFT-Cx and -Cxs are up to date and highly powerful systems to measure forces and torques on the wheels

during test drives, e.g. for road load data generation.

Due to its easy and comfortable operation, setup times are significantly reduced. Measurement values are

already available to you in real time during your test.

Your system consists of the robust sensor unit with integrated electronics for signal processing, digitization as

well as digital data transfer and the control unit for recording and converting the sensor data.

Your benefits at a glance

Waterproof sensor unit (IP66, IP67) for test drives in all weather conditions

Sensor with high linearity and extremely low thermal drift

Removable stator for fast access to lug nuts and for convenient balancing

Digital data transmission from rotor unit to stator unit

Integrated in imc STUDIO for fast configuration, data recording, data analysis and report generation

System is ready to measure within just a few minutes (including offset compensation of the rotating

system)

Non-volatile storage of calibration data in the sensor

The imc CRONOSflex (CRFX) system can be equipped with any desired extra amplifiers and/or CAN-boards

for synchronized capture of all signals.

5.2 Usage

In motor vehicle development, 6 component wheel force transducers (WFTs) are used to determine and record

forces and torques on the wheels during test drives – in all three dimensions, resulting in 3 forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and

3 torques (Mx, My, Mz). The measurement results generate the data used for computer simulations or as input

parameters for test rig systems.

Page 18

Chapter 6

6 Fundamentals

The ring-shaped wheel which carries the sensors is installed between the vehicle wheel's mounting attachment

(i.e. the five lugs protruding from the wheel hub) and the rim, and is thus positioned directly in the path of the

mechanical force applied. The measurement wheel's inner and outer rings are connected inside by rigid bars

which, in response to the force applied, undergo warping which is measured by the strain gauge sensors.

Fig. 1: WFT components: 1 = WFT; 2 = modified rim; 3 = hub adaptor

The edge of the measuring wheel is connected to the inner rotor, in which the stator is mounted, via a co-

rotating Y-bar. This stator is held in place by a support rod system attached to the vehicle body (fender). In

addition to inductive power transmission and contactless data transmission, the stator also contains the angle

information. It has a LEMO socket for connection with the CRFX/WFT-2 receiver module.

Page 19

Chapter 6

6.1 Forces and Torques

The WFT-Cx and -Cxs is a device to measure the forces and torques at the vehicle's wheels in all three spatial

directions. Please see your sensor's spec sheet for the maximum forces and torques allowed. The Fig. 2 to Fig. 4

indicates the designations of the spatial dimensions in relation to the vehicle's forward motion.

Fig. 2: Forces and moments in the wheel coordinate system on the left wheel

Fig. 3: Forces and moments in the wheel coordinate system on the right wheel

Page 20

Forces and Torques Chapter 6

In the receiver unit, the measurement values recorded are transformed from the rotating coordinate system of

the wheel to the stationary coordinate system of the vehicle, (see Coordinate Transformation of the

Measurement Values ).

Fig. 4: Forces and moments in the vehicle coordinate system

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Popular Transducer manuals by other brands

Lumel

Lumel P20 User Manual & Quick Start

CTC Union

CTC Union IFC-CCF40 Quick installation guide

MG LPAUN instruction manual

S+S Regeltechnik

S+S Regeltechnik HYGRASGARD AFF-20 operating instructions

Balluff

Balluff BIW1-A310-M -P1-S115 Series user guide

HBM

HBM Z30 Mounting instructions

Siemens

Siemens XRS-5 Compact operating instructions

Ultrasound Technologies

Ultrasound Technologies Fetatrack 310 Service manual

Greystone Energy Systems

Greystone Energy Systems LP-S installation instructions

MKS

MKS 902B Operation and installation manual

Thyracont

Thyracont VSM77PN operating instructions

controlair

controlair 2000 Installation, operation and maintenance instructions

HBM

HBM U5 Series Mounting instructions

Airflow

Airflow PT-LE operating instructions

NK VTD-BD Series instructions

Knick

Knick VariTrans P 42000 TRMS user manual

Veris Industries

Veris Industries Hawkeye 922 installation guide

Siemens

Siemens MICROMASTER 440 GX quick start guide

Axiometrix Solutions imc WFT-Cx User manual

Popular Transducer manuals by other brands