Clarkson Partnership - Teknic

Clarkson University Capstone Project Partners with Teknic for Advanced Shock Dynamometer

Clarkson University’s Baja SAE Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design (SPEED) Team is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with Teknic, a US-based brushless servo motor manufacturer. As part of a senior Capstone project, a team of engineering students is developing a Shock Dynamometer, a crucial piece of testing equipment that will benefit not only the Baja team, but also the electric and internal combustion Formula SAE student teams at Clarkson. 

A Shock Dynamometer is a load frame style machine that extends or compresses a damper to measure the damping coefficient and check for cavitation in the damper fluid. The Baja team has been working with shocks that have adjustable compression and rebound damping, but they need a precise way to correlate these adjustments with vehicle dynamics. This project aims to bridge that gap and provide reliable data for vehicle setups. The advanced nature of this project is highlighted by the lack of need for a load cell due to the high accuracy force feedback provided by Teknic's components. 

The team consists of RJ Jacobson, Luke Owens, James Keach, Linus Kemper, Clay Reagon, Aspyn Tripp, and Damon Brownell, all members of the Clarkson University Baja SAE team, graduating in Spring '25. They are starting with an older MTS 858 Tabletop load frame. The frame was bare, having already been stripped of its hydraulic load system. Empty/stripped load frames are generally low cost to acquire as much of the cost of a load frame comes from the actuating mechanism and control system. 

The team is excited to integrate Teknic's high-performance servo motion control components into their design. Specifically, they will be using the CPM-SDSK-3432S-ELN servo motor, paired with a ClearCore Motion Controller and an IPC-5 Power Supply. These components will significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the Shock Dynamometer, making the testing process smoother and more reliable. 

The advantages of using Teknic's servo motion control components include: 

• High Precision: Ensures accurate measurement and control of the damping process. 
• Integrated Design: Combines motor, encoder, drive, and controls into a single unit, simplifying the setup. 
• Power Density: The brushless motor design offers higher power density compared to brushed motors, making the system more efficient. 
• Exceptional Feedback: Provides incredibly accurate power data, potentially eliminating the need for a separate load cell. 
• Comprehensive Documentation and Support: Teknic offers extensive documentation and support, ensuring smooth integration and operation. 
   

The team has researched various linear actuating mechanisms and has selected the EDrive ET203-06 for their project. The ET203-06 is a thrust ball screw linear actuator with an offset 1:1 motor and front flange mounting. The ball screw actuator has very little friction and will allow very accurate load/power feedback to the motor and motor controller. 

The entire process, from design and fabrication to testing and validation, will be documented and shared on the Clarkson Baja Website (ClarksonBaja.com) as well as their social media.

Teknic, Inc., founded in 1985 and based in Victor, New York, designs and manufactures a wide range of servo motion control components. Their products include integrated servo systems, brushless servo motors, servo drives, motion controllers, and power supplies. Teknic provides factory-direct support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and is known for its high-quality, reliable products. 

Teknic has a strong relationship with Clarkson University, employing a number of students in both internships and positions for recent graduates. This partnership not only provides valuable real-world experience for students but also strengthens the connection between academia and industry. 

Clarkson University extends its gratitude to Teknic for supporting students, providing them hands-on experience with industry tools. Their support will make a significant difference in the success of this Capstone project.