Magnetostrictive Bearing Ring Torque Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque measurement systems in bearings lack effective integration of a torque-dependent magnetic field sensor, leading to difficulties in accurately detecting torques and potential overload conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bearing ring with a magnetostrictive material body featuring permanent magnetization between two axially spaced bearing raceways, which generates a torque-dependent magnetic field, and is designed to eliminate interference from rolling or sliding contact, allowing for precise torque detection and overload indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetostrictive material body with permanent magnetization is used to generate a torque-dependent magnetic field, then torque detection precision is improved, but interference from rolling or sliding contact must be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to detect torque indirectly. The magnetostrictive material converts mechanical stress from torque into a magnetic field signal, which is then detected by a magnetic sensor. This intermediary approach allows torque measurement without direct mechanical contact between the sensor and the rotating part, thereby eliminating interference from rolling or sliding contact while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based torque sensing mechanism with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that physically contact the rotating component (which generate interference signals), the system uses magnetostrictive material and magnetic sensors to detect torque through magnetic field changes, substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing ring is designed with permanent magnetization between bearing raceways, then torque detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bearing ring multi-functional by incorporating magnetostrictive material with permanent magnetization directly into its structure. The bearing ring simultaneously performs its traditional load-bearing function and serves as the sensing element for torque detection. This eliminates the need for separate torque sensing components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while adding torque detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the torque sensing function with the bearing ring structure itself. The magnetostrictive material is integrated into the bearing ring body, and the permanent magnetization is incorporated between the bearing raceways. This combination unifies the structural component and the sensing element into a single integrated unit, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the magnetostrictive material generates a magnetic field for torque detection, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but distinguishing from interference fields becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the permanent magnetization specifically between the bearing raceways within the magnetostrictive material body. This localized magnetization creates a concentrated magnetic field in the region where torque-induced stress changes occur, enhancing measurement sensitivity. The magnetic sensor is similarly positioned to detect only the local field changes caused by torque, effectively filtering out distant interference fields.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of torques and overload conditions by generating a unique magnetic field only when torque is applied, distinguishing it from interference fields, and allowing for sensitive measurement of small torques without compromising bearing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetostrictive measurement principle for detecting torques in shafts is fundamentally known from the prior art, wherein, using the inverse magnetostrictive effect, mechanical stresses which are generated by a torque introduced into a shaft generate a magnetic field in the magnetostrictive material of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnetization which is incorporated between the bearing raceways in the material of the body and runs around an axis of rotation of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing ring, in particular of a rolling bearing or a sliding bearing, including a body made of a magnetostrictive material, having a first raceway (2) and a second, axially spaced apart, raceway (2′) and a permanent magnetization (3) which is impressed into the material of the body between the raceways (2, 2′) and which runs around an axis of rotation (9) of the body. According to the invention, the bearing ring achieves the object of improving the structural integration of a torque sensor into a bearing, which torque sensor generates a torque-dependent magnetic field by utilizing the inverse magnetostrictive effect.