Abstract

When slipping occurs between two materials, the coefficients of friction must be considered because these values determine the overall efficiency of the machine or slip characteristics. Therefore, it is important to find the coefficient of friction between two materials. This paper focuses on obtaining the coefficient of friction between an aiming bolt and a retainer located in the headlamps of a vehicle. This bolt supports the headlamp, and if the bolt is loosened by external vibration, the angle of the light will change and block the vision of pedestrians or other drivers. In order to study these situations, the coefficient of friction between aiming bolts and retainers needs to be measured. In addition, the coefficient of friction of materials used in the headlamp should be obtained. To determine these two factors, a new device is designed for two cases: surface-surface contact and surface-line contact. To increase reliability of the results, the device is designed using an air-bearing stage which uses compressed air as lubricant to eliminate the friction of the stage itself. Experiments were carried out by applying various vertical forces, and the results show that the coefficient of friction can be measured consistently. The procedure for designing the device and the results are discussed.