Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD) of Bradford-on-Avon, UK, turned to leading independent precision motion specialists Heason Technology for zero backlash rotary actuators for its Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM). ABD’s kinematics and compliance measurement machines measure the quasi-static suspension characteristics that are important to ride and handling. The machines measure the kinematic characteristics due to suspension and steering system geometries, and compliances due to suspension springs, anti-roll bars, elastomeric bushes and component deformation. The challenge put forward to Heason’s design team was to develop a compact, zero backlash, precision gear actuator which would allow ABD to offer higher rotation speeds whilst providing exceptionally smooth motion. Coupled with this, Heason’s design brief was to package the new actuator to fit within an existing casting of the SPMM. Working closely with Spinea SA , Heason’s mechanical design team developed a compact, zero backlash gear actuator based around a custom Spinea TwinSpin bearing reducer with an Emoteq integrated frameless, brushless servo motor and high resolution feedback device. The new package achieved a higher speed as well as surpass the previous ‘zero backlash’ gear system in terms of smoothness, all in a more compact package. Actuator performance… 495Nm Continuous Torque 1,237Nm Peak Repeatable Torque 1,000 Nm/Arcmin Tilting Stiffness 110 Nm/Arcmin Torsional Stiffness < 1.0 Arcmin Maximum Lost Motion 19,200 N Rated Radial Force 27,900 N Maximum Axial Force Encoder Resolution 1,250,000 Counts/Rev For further information email sales@heason.com or call us on +44 (0) 1403 792 300