Smart Couplings
R+W Smart Couplings – Series iPK
MEASURE TORQUE WHERE IT MATTERS: SENSOR-INTEGRATED COUPLINGS FROM R+W
The R+W iPK smart coupling combines mechanical power transmission with measurement of torque, speed and temperature directly in the drive train. It gives engineers a clearer picture of operating loads, helping them assess a design, monitor a process and investigate changes in machine performance.
At its centre is the iFL sensor-integrated flange. Strain gauges detect the small elastic deformations produced as torque passes through the flange. An integrated measuring amplifier processes the signal, and Bluetooth Low Energy sends the data to the R+W Sensor App or an R+W gateway. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery or an inductive pick-up.
The modular flange can be combined with bellows, elastomer, disc pack and torque-limiting coupling arrangements. This allows the mechanical connection to be selected for the application, whether the priority is torsional stiffness, vibration damping, shaft misalignment compensation or mechanical overload protection.
Features & Benefits
Torque, speed and temperature measured directly in the drive train
Wireless measurement data from the rotating coupling
Modular combinations to suit different drive arrangements
Battery or inductive power supply options
App-based display, recording and CSV export
Data for load assessment, condition monitoring and process improvement
Mechanical overload protection available in suitable torque-limiter combinations
Coupling Options
Bellows couplings: for torsionally stiff, backlash-free transmission. Elastomer couplings: where vibration damping is useful. Disc pack couplings: for torsionally stiff shaft connections. Torque-limiter combinations: for applications requiring mechanical disengagement at a specified torque.
Applications
Typical uses include research and development test rigs, end-of-line testing, validation of simulation results, and monitoring production or automation equipment. Comparing measured load patterns over time can help identify changes that warrant investigation and support maintenance planning.
Power Supply & Data
The rechargeable battery option suits temporary measurements and applications where charging access can be provided. Battery life depends on the measurement configuration and sampling rate. Inductive power is an option for continuous measurement, using a stationary pick-up that requires its own supply.
The R+W Sensor App displays and records readings on a compatible mobile device. For machine or PC integration, the R+W gateway provides analogue outputs for a PLC and a USB-C virtual COM connection. Gateway channel capacity depends on the sampling rate and number of measured signals.
Specifications
Standard sensor flange sizes: iFL 150, 500 and 1500
Rated torques: 150, 500 and 1,500 Nm respectively
Maximum catalogue torques: 225, 750 and 2,250 Nm respectively
Sensor flange speed limit: up to 5,000 r/min
Torque accuracy: ±1% of rated torque, up to rated torque
Sensor flange material: high-strength stainless steel
Selectable sampling rates: 1 to 1,000 samples/second
Wireless transmission: Bluetooth Low Energy
Speed accuracy: ±1% of 660 r/min, within the stated range up to 660 r/min
Temperature accuracy: ±2°C
Sensor flange protection: IP54
Operating temperature: −20°C to +60°C
Standard iFL sensor flange values shown. Maximum torque is an overload limit, separate from rated torque. The selected coupling assembly may impose lower limits. Sampling rate, signal count and gateway capacity must be considered together.
Speak to our technical team about your torque, speed, shaft dimensions, measurement requirements and operating conditions. We can help you select the appropriate coupling, power supply and data connection.
