Coupling Membrane Torque Detection via Sensor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft couplings and coupling membranes struggle with accurate torque detection due to the influence of axial and angular misalignment, leading to inaccurate measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A coupling membrane with radially distributed openings and webs, featuring sensor means arranged in the opening sectors to measure torque and stress, allowing for precise detection of applied torques while compensating for misalignment through elastic compensation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are arranged on the output or drive shafts to measure torque, then torque detection is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the influence of axial and angular misalignment introducing bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor measurement function from the shaft components and relocates it to the coupling membrane. By placing strain gauges on the coupling membrane instead of the shafts, the measurement system is separated from the misalignment-affected shafts, eliminating the harmful influence of bending moments caused by axial and angular misalignment on torque measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling membrane serves as an intermediary element between the drive and output shafts. It transmits torque while accommodating misalignment, and simultaneously provides a measurement platform that is not directly subjected to the harmful bending moments affecting the shafts, thus mediating between torque transmission and accurate measurement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling membrane includes openings and webs to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to the need for sensor arrangement in specific sectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by arranging sensors specifically in the opening sectors of the coupling membrane rather than uniformly across the entire membrane. The opening sectors, which are regions without material, provide optimal locations for sensor placement that are less affected by misalignment-induced stresses, thereby reducing measurement errors while maintaining the membrane's misalignment compensation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling membrane is segmented into opening sectors and web sectors. This segmentation allows for strategic placement of sensors in the opening sectors, separating the measurement function from the high-stress web regions. The segmentation enables the system to maintain adaptability for misalignment compensation while simplifying the overall sensor arrangement strategy
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 solution enables reliable and precise torque detection, significantly reducing measurement errors caused by misalignment, and allows for easy replacement of worn components.
Implementation Method 1
coupling membrane for an elastic shaft coupling for axially and/or angular offset-compensating and torque-transmitting coupling
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensor means for torque measurement, to carry out a strain and/or stress measurement on the coupling membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an elastic shaft coupling and a coupling diaphragm for such a shaft coupling for axially and/or angularly offset-compensating and torque-transmitting coupling of a drive element with a driven element connected downstream along a rotational axis Ar. The coupling diaphragm can be connected to the drive element and/or the driven element in a torque-transmitting manner about the rotational axis AR. Furthermore, the coupling diaphragm comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed perforations U, which are separated from one another by resulting radially extending webs, wherein the perforations are formed in radially extending R-direction perforation sectors and the webs in radially extending R-direction web sectors in the coupling diaphragm.Furthermore, the coupling membrane includes a plurality of sensor means to perform a stress and/or strain measurement in such a way that a conclusion can be drawn about a torque M applied to the shaft coupling, wherein this plurality of sensor means is arranged in the perforation sectors on the coupling membrane.