MAGNETIC CLAMPING FOR IN-PROCESS VERIFICATION

An arrangement for testing engines for vehicles and other drive train assemblies employs magnetic clamping to achieve fixation of the rotatory dri ve train assembly to a drive arrangement. When the rotatory drive train assembl y is a vehicle engine, there is a need to affix a measurement head that contai ns sensors to the engine. This too is effected by magnetic clamping. A robotic transport device or overhead crane conveys the engine to a testing station where a human operator guides the drive arrangement into position on the engine. When the engine and the drive arrangement are appropriately aligned the operator will actuate a switch that activates electromagnets to effect t he fixation of the engine to the drive arrangement. A human operator also guide s the measurement head to the engine, and it is magnetically clamped thereto. When it is desired to release the engine from the drive arrangement, a deactivation switch that is manipulable by the operator discontinues the electrical energy to the electromagnet, except for a degaussing signal that utilizes the electromagnet to dissipate residual magnetism in the engine. A similar degaussing process is employed upon disengagement of the measurement head.