Coil Spring Power Transmission for Load Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission mechanisms are complex and costly, lacking a simple and effective way to calculate load torque on the output shaft due to external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission mechanism using a coil spring as an elastic element to generate elastic force, with a torque calculation apparatus that calculates load torque based on the extension/contraction amount of the coil spring, allowing for accurate torque measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional power transmission mechanism is used, then power transmission is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate transmission components from traditional power transmission mechanisms. By using a coil spring directly connected between the drive shaft and output shaft, the design removes complex gear trains, belts, or chains that would otherwise be required, achieving reliable power transmission with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the drive shaft to the output shaft, stores and releases energy to smooth torque fluctuations, and provides shock absorption. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional torque measurement methods are used, then torque can be measured, but the measurement system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring serves itself as both the power transmission element and the torque sensing element. By measuring the extension or contraction of the coil spring, the system automatically determines the load torque without requiring external sensors or measurement devices. The spring's deformation directly reflects the torque applied, providing self-measuring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring acts as an intermediary between the drive shaft and output shaft that simultaneously transmits power and enables torque measurement. Its elastic deformation serves as a natural indicator of the torque being transmitted, allowing measurement through simple displacement detection rather than complex force sensing.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If robust power transmission components are used, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves durability through optimizing the coil spring parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of turns, material properties) rather than using heavy-duty rigid components. By carefully selecting spring constants and geometric parameters, the design obtains the required strength and fatigue resistance at lower cost compared to traditional robust mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than using expensive, complex transmission mechanisms that require precise manufacturing and maintenance, the patent employs a cost-effective spring that provides sufficient service life for the application while being economically replaceable.
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
The mechanism provides stable power transmission, improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and enables easy assembly while accurately calculating load torque in both positive and negative directions.
Implementation Method 1
an extension/contraction part that generates elastic force around a rotation center of the power-side end part and the output-side end part
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power transmission mechanism including a drive unit that includes a power source, and an output unit driven by power from the power source, in which the output unit includes an output shaft, and an elastic member including a power-side end part that rotates according to the power from the power source, an output-side end part that rotates in keeping with rotation of the power-side end part so as to rotate the output shaft, and an extension/contraction part that generates elastic force around a rotation center of the power-side end part and the output-side end part.