Torque Measurement via Magnetic Bands and Wireless Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring torque in rotating mechanical components face challenges such as the need for physical connections, direct modifications, limited lift-off levels, and interference with dynamic balance, especially in high-speed applications, and are often prone to contamination and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A system using two bands affixed to the mechanical component with sensing assemblies that generate signals indicative of relative movement, a signal conditioner, and a computing unit to determine torque without physical connections, allowing for significant lift-off levels and minimal interference, capable of measuring torque and related parameters like strain and rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional strain gages are used to measure torque, then torque measurement capability is achieved, but the measuring devices require physical connections and direct modifications to the mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain gage systems with magnetic field-based sensing. Magnetic bands with alternating polarity patterns are affixed to the rotating component, and magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field variations to infer torque-induced twist, eliminating the need for physical connections and direct mechanical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic bands as an intermediary between the rotating component and the measurement system. These bands carry magnetic field information that reflects the mechanical twist state, allowing indirect measurement of torque without direct contact between sensors and the rotating component
2Ease of operation
If slip rings are used to couple torque measuring instrumentation to rotating components, then power and signal transmission is achieved, but the system becomes susceptible to vibration, contact wear, contamination and heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical slip ring systems with wireless magnetic coupling. Power and signal transmission are achieved through inductive coupling between a stationary coil and a rotating coil, eliminating all mechanical contact points and associated reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic field coupling as a non-contact power and signal transmission medium, analogous to how pneumatic or hydraulic systems use fluid fields for energy transfer, but in the electromagnetic domain to achieve wireless coupling between stationary and rotating components
3Reliability
If wireless variants of slip rings with inductive coupling are used, then some vulnerability issues are addressed, but physical limitation to tolerated movement and large space allocation requirements remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic band design with compact alternating polarity patterns and adjusts the inductive coupling parameters to achieve efficient power and signal transmission in a reduced space envelope, allowing greater radial movement tolerance while minimizing the footprint of the sensor assembly
4Device complexity
If optical type sensor systems are used to measure torque, then no modifications to rotating components are needed, but the systems are not tolerant to optical contamination from dust particles and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensing systems with magnetic field-based sensing. Magnetic fields penetrate non-magnetic contaminants like dust and dirt without attenuation, providing robust torque measurement in contaminated environments while still requiring only minimal affixing of magnetic bands to the rotating component
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, wireless measurement of torque and related parameters with negligible impact on dynamic balance, suitable for high-speed rotating parts and various mechanical components, providing robust characterization and monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensing assembly is operatively coupled to a respective band and generates a magnetic signal in response to relative movement between the band and the sensing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for measuring torque and other parameters of a mechanical component is provided. At least two bands can be affixed to the mechanical component and at least two sensing assemblies can be operatively coupled to each band. Each sensing assembly generates signals indicative of relative movement between a respective band and the sensing assembly. A signal conditioner conditions the signals for a computing unit to determine the torque to the mechanical component. The computing unit can determine the torque from a twist of the mechanical component that can be correlated with the torque.