Programmable Gain Amplifier for Rotating Torque Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring a wide range of torques in rotating systems due to limitations in signal amplification and digitization, often leading to saturation or inadequate resolution, especially when dealing with varying torque values.
Innovation Solution
A torque measurement system that integrates a rotor with a programmable gain amplifier, strain detection device, and RF telemetry, allowing for real-time torque measurement by amplifying and digitizing strain signals with a programmable gain value that can be adjusted to prevent saturation and maximize resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed gain amplifier is used to amplify strain signals, then the circuit is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates when torque values vary widely due to saturation or inadequate resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a programmable gain amplifier that can dynamically adjust its gain value based on the measured torque range. The system transitions from a static fixed-gain configuration to a dynamic adaptive-gain configuration, allowing the amplifier to optimize its performance for different torque magnitudes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high measurement precision across varying torque conditions while accepting controlled system complexity through automated gain scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the gain parameter of the amplifier based on the detected torque range. The system changes the amplifier's operating parameter (gain value) to match the current measurement requirements, preventing saturation for large torques and maximizing resolution for small torques. This parameter adaptation resolves the measurement precision issue without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If a high gain value is used to amplify small strain signals, then the resolution is maximized, but signal saturation occurs when larger torques are measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the gain value based on the current torque magnitude, transitioning from a static high-gain configuration to a dynamic adaptive-gain configuration. This allows the system to maintain high resolution for small signals while preventing saturation for larger signals, thereby improving both resolution and reliability across the full torque range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by determining the appropriate gain value before amplification occurs. The control module selects the gain setting in advance based on the expected or measured torque range, ensuring that the amplifier is properly configured to handle the incoming signal without saturation or excessive amplification of noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a low gain value is used to prevent saturation, then the amplifier can handle large torques, but small strain signals lack sufficient amplification and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic gain adjustment to adapt to different torque ranges. Instead of being constrained to a single low gain value, the programmable gain amplifier can switch between multiple gain settings, allowing it to handle large torques without saturation while maintaining high precision for small signals. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between range coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier is designed with multi-functionality by implementing a programmable gain structure that can serve multiple measurement ranges. The same hardware component can function as a high-gain amplifier for small signals or a low-gain amplifier for large signals, making the system universally applicable across the entire torque range without requiring multiple dedicated amplifiers.
4Productivity
If wireless telemetry is implemented on a rotating rotor, then real-time torque data is obtained, but signal transmission reliability may be affected by rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action through synchronized sampling and transmission cycles that are coordinated with the rotor's rotation. By establishing regular transmission intervals and using periodic synchronization signals, the system ensures reliable data transfer despite the rotating environment, maintaining both real-time productivity and transmission reliability.
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 system provides accurate and flexible torque measurement across a wide range of values, preventing signal saturation and ensuring optimal digitization, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of torque data in various rotating systems.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor antenna may receive power and data from an RF signal received via the stator antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rotor, a rotor antenna attached to the rotor, a strain detection device attached to the rotor, a programmable gain amplifier attached to the rotor, and a control module attached to the rotor. The strain detection device is configured to generate signals that indicate an amount of strain in the rotor. The programmable gain amplifier is configured to amplify the signals generated by the strain detection device by a gain value. The gain value is programmable. The control module is configured to program the gain value of the programmable gain amplifier and transmit, via the rotor antenna, digital data that is derived from the amplified signals.