Quick Answer: The Coupled Drives Apparatus shows the problems of controlling speed and tension in coupled drives. Two electric motors are coupled by a continuous flexible belt that passes over a swinging arm with a jockey wheel measuring the belt speed and tension.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Two electric motors coupled by a continuous flexible belt
Swinging arm with a jockey wheel measures belt speed and tension
Manual control adjusts the spring tension at the swinging arm
Control task: vary motor torque to regulate belt speed and tension
User guide covers speed and tension control, simultaneous velocity and tension control, and analysis of multi-variable systems
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Motors
Two, electric
Coupling
Continuous flexible belt
Measurement
Jockey wheel on swinging arm: belt speed and tension
Adjustment
Manual spring tension control at swinging arm
About This Product
Coupled drives are used in magnetic tape drives, textile machines and paper mills, where speed and tension interact. The apparatus lets students work on that interaction directly, first controlling each variable and then both together as a multi-variable problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the control problem on the Coupled Drives Apparatus?
Varying the torque in the two motors to regulate the belt speed and tension, which are measured by a jockey wheel on a swinging arm.
