Monolithic Torque Sensor With Load Compensation and Integrated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensor devices suffer from inaccuracies in torque measurement due to difficulties in excluding non-rotation direction loads and require bulky configurations with additional sealing members.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor device with a compact, monolithic circular body comprising an inner and outer flange and a solid intermediate portion, equipped with symmetrically arranged strain gages and a Wheatstone bridge circuitry, which suppresses the effects of radial and axial loads and tilts, allowing for accurate torque measurement without additional sealing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional torque sensor devices are used with Wheatstone circuitries and radially elastic torque transfer portions, then torque measurement is attempted, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately exclude loads in directions other than rotation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor is divided into functionally distinct segments: the torque transfer portion handles torque transmission, while separate strain gage arrangements handle different load components. Multiple pairs of strain gages are positioned at different locations and orientations to specifically measure and compensate for radial, axial, and tilt loads independently from the torque measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary compensation mechanisms using additional strain gages that measure harmful loads (radial, axial, tilt) and feed this information back to the Wheatstone bridge circuitry. These intermediary measurements allow the system to mathematically compensate for and exclude the effects of non-rotation direction loads from the final torque calculation.
2Reliability
If known torque sensor devices are designed with separate sealing members, then sealing function is provided, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function directly into the torque sensor body by providing a sealing flange with sealing surfaces that interface with the gear box. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing members, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque sensor body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: torque measurement through strain gages, sealing through integrated sealing flanges, and mechanical connection through flange interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
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 device provides accurate torque measurement unaffected by axial, radial loads, and tilts, in a compact design suitable for sealing gear boxes, enhancing measurement precision and reducing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
the circular intermediate portion comprises an inner sub-portion, an outer sub-portion and a circumferential groove for suppressing effects of radial loads and separating the inner sub-portion and the outer sub-portion from each other; and a plurality of measurement transducers formed in and/or on the inner sub-portion of the circular intermediate portion
Implementation Method 2
equipped with symmetrically arranged strain gages and a Wheatstone bridge circuitry
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a torque sensor device comprising a circular body comprising an annular inner flange and an annular outer flange and a circular intermediate portion located between the annular inner flange and the annular outer flange, wherein the annular inner flange is located closer to the center of the circular body than the annular outer flange and wherein the circular intermediate portion is a continuously solid portion.