Measurement of Automotive Timing Chain Drive Loads

A system to measure loads that a timing chain is subjected to has been developed. The system consists of a special sprocket transducer and associated telemetry equipment. The conventional camshaft sprocket is replaced by the special sprocket transducer which senses the torque and transmits it by means of telemetry to recording equipment.

The system made possible the investigation of parameters that affect timing chain life and resulted in an improved timing chain design.