Need Help Figuring out what this is? 1

[johnpapa]

This is some kind of electric motor device that converts 1 HP into 3 HP somehow. Does anyone know what this is? any help will be appreciated.

 

[rmw]

It might convert 1 input RPM into 3 output RPM or it might convert 1 ft-lb input torque to 3 ft-lb output torque, but increasing input HP ain't going to happen in this universe. If anything, it will have a power loss through it so that 1 HP input won't be 1 HP at the output regardless of the outlet speed or torque.

rmw

 

[GregLocock]

"This is some kind of electric motor device that converts 1 HP into 3 HP somehow."

I think we call that a 2hp electric motor.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[MintJulep]

It's quite an intriguing looking thing. How did you come upon it?

My guess is that it is some sort of hydraulic torque converter and transmission.

 

[GregLocock]

Seriously I suspect it is a continuously variable gearbox. I've seen some old ones that used steerable discs between two toroidal flywheels, or the more common ones with V belts and pulleys with variable width.

It looks like a nice old thing, but it'll be a torque multiplier and speed reduced, not a power increaser.



Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[tbuelna]

I would speculate that GregLocock is correct. From the photos, it appears to be an old variable speed traction drive.

Besides, the seller's only asking $30, and you can probably haggle him down to half of that. Buy it and take it apart to see how it works. If you're a real gearhead, that $15 purchase will keep you entertained for hours. Well worth it!

 

[Artisi]

It looks like an extrememly complicated gizmo of unknow pedigree and use. I'm with tbuelna - but I would only offer $10 purely from an interest point of view.

 

[prost]

Doesn't look like an electric motor to me, I wouldn't have guessed it anyway.

As far as other guesses, why would a variable speed traction drive have tubes that look like fuel lines? Or are those hydraulic lines?

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j134/Ku1210/SANY0273.jpg

 

[zeusfaber]

I think that blob of ink before the "3" on the label might be meant to be a decimal point.

A.

 

[EngineerTex]

I like the concept of a variable-speed transmission.

Based on the look of the big-honkin' casting on the side, it looks like there is some SERIOUS fluid flow through this thing.

Perhaps a gear pump on one shaft and a variable-displacement pump on the other? Vice-versa?

Are the spring and lever controlling some sort of valve block on the top of the monster?

Perhaps it's a fluid coupler and hydraulic motor setup?

I could only see one copper line coming out with that compression fitting on it. If you have two of those copper lines coming out, then you'll probably need to hook them up to a radiator. If you only have one copper line coming out, then it's probably a hydraulic controller to dictate what kind of input-to-output ratio you have.

-T

Engineering is not the science behind building. It is the science behind not building.

 

[quark]

Aha! John Galt was real.

The guy who wrote the power specs is playing a prank. The writing suggests it.

 

[unclesyd]

Looking at the construction someone paid a lot for a one off and made a slew of them for sale.
Over the years I've seen numerous variable speed drives both mechanical and hydraulic come and go. It is possibly a variation on the ubiquitous PIV drive.

 

[drawoh]

johnpapa,

Is it possible you are looking at this thing backwards, and that it converts 3HP into 1HP? A lot of worm drives can do that!

JHG