Integrated Phonic-Wheel Torque Assembly for Turbomachine Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque transmission and measurement assemblies for turbomachines require a large number of parts, complex assembly, and are prone to hysteresis phenomena, which affect accuracy and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified torque transmission and measurement assembly using a pinion with integrated phonic wheels and a one-piece power shaft, guided by bearings, eliminates the need for a reference shaft and reduces the axial size, incorporating electromagnetic sensors to measure angular variation between phonic wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference shaft is used to measure torque, then torque measurement is enabled, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference shaft function with the power shaft by integrating a second phonic wheel directly onto the power shaft. This eliminates the need for a separate reference shaft, reducing the number of parts while maintaining torque measurement capability through angular variation detection between the first phonic wheel (on the shaft) and the second phonic wheel (on the power shaft).
2Measurement precision
If a reference shaft is used to measure torque, then torque measurement is enabled, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference shaft functionality is merged with the power shaft by mounting the second phonic wheel directly on it. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly of a reference shaft and its associated mounting components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while preserving the torque measurement function through electromagnetic sensors detecting angular variation between the two phonic wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function (angular variation detection) from the complex reference shaft assembly and implements it through a simplified configuration using phonic wheels and electromagnetic sensors. This extraction maintains measurement capability while eliminating unnecessary structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a reference shaft is mounted around the power shaft, then torque measurement is enabled, but hysteresis phenomenon occurs affecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the hysteresis-causing mechanical contact by extracting the measurement function from a contact-based reference shaft system. Instead, it uses a non-contact electromagnetic sensing system where electromagnetic sensors detect angular variation between the two phonic wheels, removing the source of hysteresis while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based reference shaft system with an electromagnetic sensing system. The electromagnetic sensors detect angular position and variation without physical contact between measurement components and the power shaft, eliminating mechanical hysteresis and improving measurement reliability.
4Measurement precision
If the deformed axial area of the power shaft is increased to ensure sufficient angular deformation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the axial dimension of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deformation-based measurement approach with an electromagnetic sensing approach. The electromagnetic sensors directly detect angular variation between the two phonic wheels, eliminating the need to increase the axial deformation area of the power shaft. This substitution maintains measurement accuracy while reducing the axial dimension of the assembly.
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
This design minimizes the number of parts and assembly complexity, reduces axial size, and eliminates hysteresis, thereby improving accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
acquisition means axially aligned with and opposite the first phonic wheel and the second phonic wheel and being configured to output a signal representative of an angular variation between the first phonic wheel and the second phonic wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for measuring a torque transmitted between a first member and a second member of a turbomachine includes a pinion having a first annular portion and a second annular portion joining together at a connecting portion carrying a gearing of the pinion, said first and second annular portions extending axially in opposite directions, from the connecting portion. The pinion also includes an axial power shaft with a first area coupled to the first annular portion, and a second area for coupling to the second member, and a device for measuring the torsion between the first and second areas. The device includes a first phonic wheel on the power shaft, a second phonic wheel equipping the second annular portion of the pinion and axially aligned with the first phonic wheel, and an acquisition means axially aligned with and opposite to the first phonic wheel and the second phonic wheel and outputting a signal representative of an angular variation.