Measuring Device Torsional Load Detection via Additive Sensor Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for determining relative angular positions and torque are not easily producible and do not provide accurate measurements simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising two rotatable component groups with a scanning component and a scale component, featuring a passive sensor array with conductor track structures applied via an additive process, which changes electrical resistance in response to torsional load, allowing for both angular position and torque measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic poles and force-sensitive regions are produced on a shaft for measuring angular position and torque, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical manufacturing (producing magnetic poles and force-sensitive regions on a shaft) with an electrical measurement system using conductor track structures on a circuit board. The conductor tracks function as force-sensitive elements that change electrical properties under torsional load, eliminating the need for complex mechanical shaft modifications while maintaining torque measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conductor track structures on a circuit board as a simplified copy or alternative implementation of the force-sensitive regions that would otherwise require complex mechanical fabrication on a shaft. The electrical conductor tracks replicate the functionality of mechanical force-sensitive elements through electrical property changes rather than mechanical structure changes.
2Ease of manufacture
If conductor track structures are applied by an additive process on the substrate, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs additive manufacturing processes (such as printing or depositing) to create conductor track structures directly on the circuit board substrate. This approach changes the manufacturing parameters from traditional subtractive or assembly-based methods to additive processes, which simplify production steps and reduce assembly complexity while the process itself inherently controls the required precision through material deposition accuracy.
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 easy production and improved measurement of angular position and torque, with the conductor track structures reacting to torsional load by changing resistance, facilitating accurate signal generation for both relative angular position and torque determination.
Implementation Method 1
The conductor track structures react to a torsional load by a change in their length and cross-section, which affects their electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
If an electric excitation current that varies over time is applied to the excitation coils, signals that are a function of the angular position are generated during a relative rotation between the rotor and stator
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device includes first and second component groups rotatable about an axis relative to each other. The first component group has a scanning component, having a first substrate, and the second component group has a scale component, having a second substrate and an angle scale. The measuring device can determine a relative angular position between the component groups. The measuring device has a passive sensor array having conductor track structures. The conductor track structures are applied on the first substrate by an additive process so that the sensor array determines a torsional load of the first substrate about the axis. Alternatively, the conductor track structures are applied on the second substrate by an additive process so that the sensor array determines a torsional load of the second substrate about the axis.