Unsure if this is the best place to post this, but it seems to fit.
If I understand correctly, belting up is one of the more difficult items on the MN licensure checklist for people to get checked off. This stands to reason, as it's one of the more delicate operations done with a traction engine, requires something to connect to that's not being used, and carries with it a high risk of damage to engine, belt, and/or connected equipment.
I'm thinking that some of these difficulties might be overcome if we had a piece of equipment that provided a sort of breakaway pulley action; a pulley and shaft set up with a spring-loaded latch mechanism that would allow the pulley to rotate in a plane parallel to the ground and throw off the belt if excessive force was applied. Add a U-joint, and one could connect a load of some sort (baker fan, etc.) in order to test the alignment of the belt connection under load, with minimal risk of equipment damage and without taking up a slot in a sawmill or other exhibit.
Any thoughts in response?
If I understand correctly, belting up is one of the more difficult items on the MN licensure checklist for people to get checked off. This stands to reason, as it's one of the more delicate operations done with a traction engine, requires something to connect to that's not being used, and carries with it a high risk of damage to engine, belt, and/or connected equipment.
I'm thinking that some of these difficulties might be overcome if we had a piece of equipment that provided a sort of breakaway pulley action; a pulley and shaft set up with a spring-loaded latch mechanism that would allow the pulley to rotate in a plane parallel to the ground and throw off the belt if excessive force was applied. Add a U-joint, and one could connect a load of some sort (baker fan, etc.) in order to test the alignment of the belt connection under load, with minimal risk of equipment damage and without taking up a slot in a sawmill or other exhibit.
Any thoughts in response?
