Torque Measurement via Aliased Signal Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque measurement systems in agricultural vehicles face challenges in accurately measuring torque on drive components, particularly in off-road conditions, due to limitations in sampling rates and robustness, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery and potential damage to drive train components.
Innovation Solution
A torque measurement apparatus utilizing a controller that samples an aliased signal from sensors positioned on a rotatable shaft with detectable features, allowing for accurate computation of torque by analyzing phase shifts in signals generated by toothed wheels, even at low sampling rates, thereby optimizing power delivery and preventing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional torque measurement system uses a high sampling rate to accurately capture torque signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter from conventional high rates to a lower rate that is intentionally below the Nyquist rate. This parameter change enables the use of aliasing phenomena to extract torque information, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through alternative signal processing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical approach of high-rate sampling with an electrical/software-based approach that processes aliased signals. By substituting hardware complexity with signal processing algorithms, the system achieves accurate torque measurement without requiring complex high-speed sampling hardware
2Reliability
If torque measurement systems are made more robust for off-road conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to self-adjust and self-correct by using the aliasing pattern itself as the measurement basis. The system extracts torque information from the aliased signal characteristics without requiring additional robustness mechanisms, achieving reliability through intelligent signal processing rather than hardware redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the operational parameter from high sampling rate to low sampling rate with intentional aliasing, the system becomes more robust to vibrations and environmental disturbances. The lower sampling rate filters out high-frequency noise inherent in off-road conditions, improving reliability without adding complexity
3Productivity
If conventional torque measurement systems are used, then implementation is straightforward, but power delivery efficiency is reduced due to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the aliased signals from multiple sensors, computes torque measurements, and uses this information to optimize power delivery. The feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency based on actual torque conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the controller serve multiple functions: it controls the vehicle operation and simultaneously performs torque measurement and power optimization. This multi-functionality enables improved power delivery efficiency without adding dedicated measurement hardware, thereby maintaining implementation simplicity while enhancing productivity
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 approach provides a robust, cost-effective, and accurate method for measuring torque on drive components, enabling improved power management and reduced downtime by allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of torque levels, thus enhancing the productivity and longevity of agricultural vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is proximate to the first detectable feature and the second sensor is proximate to the second detectable feature. The first sensor produces a first signal and the second sensor produces a second signal as the rotatable shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque measurement device associated with a power driven ground engaging device having a power supplying device and a load. The torque measurement device includes a rotatable shaft, a first detectable feature, a second detectable feature, a plurality of sensors and an electrical controller. The rotatable shaft has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the power supplying device and the second end is connected to the load. The first and second detectable features are respectively associated with a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position on the shaft. The plurality of sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is proximate to the first detectable feature and the second sensor is proximate to the second detectable feature. The first sensor produces a first signal and the second sensor produces a second signal as the rotatable shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis. The electrical controller samples the first signal and the second signal at a sampling rate. The first signal has a first frequency and the sampling rate is less than twice the first frequency. The electrical controller computes a torque measurement representative of the torque on the rotatable shaft utilizing the first signal and the second signal.