Magnetic Gear Train
​NASA ARMD Undergraduate Entry

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Design driver: Create safe, reliable system that needs no replacing

Very early attempt to create a custom-designed solution to a problem

Outcomes

• Established approach to solution based on quantifiable customer problems
• V-belt slip on hullers and inclined conveyors
• Belt drive located up to 150 ft. above ground
• Safety and downtime impacts
• Coordinated with vendor rep to specify magnetic disk requirements
• Operating torque and drive ratio
• Operational environment
• Prototype built and tested at full-load conditions

Results

• Zero customer interest

​Lessons learned

• Different industries, different risk aversion
• Customer inertia can be very powerful