Drive System Torque Measurement Using Embedded Gear Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive systems in applications like helicopters and airplanes face challenges in reliably detecting faults and measuring torque, leading to potential breakdowns and safety hazards due to insufficient diagnostic capabilities during routine maintenance checks.
Innovation Solution
A drive system power measuring and diagnostic system (DSPMADS) comprising a housing with a gearing system, multiple targets, and sensors that output electrical signals, processed by a processor to provide data on torque, temperature, and component integrity, enabling real-time monitoring and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors coupled to rotating mass are used to determine torque, then torque measurement is achieved, but the system complexity and reliability are reduced due to additional sensors and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor coupling systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are embedded in the gear teeth, and sensors detect their magnetic fields, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling and complex sensor mounting on rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the rotating gear components and the detection sensors. Magnets embedded in the gear teeth generate magnetic fields that serve as the intermediary medium, allowing non-contact detection and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If conventional diagnostic strategies with periodic checking are used, then maintenance scheduling is simplified, but fault detection capability deteriorates leading to potential breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of drive system components through multiple sensors that operate throughout the entire operational cycle. This continuous action replaces periodic checking, enabling real-time detection of faults and conditions that would otherwise go undetected between maintenance intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor drive system parameters and provide information back to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of maintenance schedules and immediate detection of developing faults, transitioning from static periodic checking to adaptive continuous monitoring.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are added to improve diagnostic capability, then fault detection improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diagnostic functions into an integrated sensor system. By combining torque measurement, vibration monitoring, and fault detection capabilities into a unified system with shared magnets and sensor arrays, the patent reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs sensors and magnets to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same magnetic sensors used for torque measurement also detect vibrations, gear wear, and other mechanical conditions, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized separate sensors for each diagnostic purpose.
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
Enhances the reliability and performance of drive systems by allowing for continuous monitoring and early detection of mechanical failures, extending service life and ensuring operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors incorporated within the housing, wherein the sensors are each configured to output an electrical signal in response to sensing the target
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a housing, a gearing system disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of targets, a plurality of sensors incorporated within the housing, a processor in electrical signal communication with the sensors, and a user interface in signal communication with the processor. A method comprising providing a drive system comprising a drive system power measuring and diagnostic system, wherein the drive system is configured to rotate one or more components comprising a plurality of targets, sense the targets with a sensor pair, thereby producing a data signal, process the data signal from the one or more sensor pairs, thereby producing a processed data signal, and output the processed data signal to a user.