Torque Detection Device Tubular Magnet Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque detection devices face issues with tubular magnets cracking due to molding pressure during assembly, which complicates the assembly process and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The torque detection device fixes the tubular magnet to a rotating body by molding a synthetic resin body on the outer circumferential portion, distributing the molding pressure along the longitudinal direction to prevent cracking and reducing the amount of molding material needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tubular magnet is molded with synthetic resin material and externally fitted to the input shaft, then the workability during assembly is improved, but the number of manufacturing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkability during assemblyVSAvoidnumber of manufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the molding process and the fixing process into a single integrated operation. The synthetic resin material is molded directly onto the input shaft, simultaneously achieving both the molding of the tubular magnet and its fixation to the shaft, thereby eliminating separate assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the tubular magnet is molded in the cavity with molten synthetic resin material, then the assembly process is simplified, but the tubular magnet may crack due to molding pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process complexityVSAvoidcrack resistance of tubular magnet
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the synthetic resin material. The resin is formulated to be soft and flexible at the molding stage to accommodate the tubular magnet without cracking, and then hardens to provide strong fixation. This local variation in material properties allows both simplified assembly and crack prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If radial inner pressure is applied to the tubular magnet during assembly, then the tubular magnet can be fixed to the input shaft, but cracks are likely to occur at the inner circumferential portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strength of tubular magnetVSAvoidcrack resistance of tubular magnet
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying pressure radially inward to the tubular magnet, the patent inverts the approach by having the tubular magnet press against the synthetic resin material during molding. The resin material deforms under this pressure and then hardens, creating fixation without subjecting the magnet to damaging radial inner pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 prevents cracking of the tubular magnet, simplifies the assembly process, and reduces costs by minimizing the amount of molding material required, while ensuring the tubular magnet remains securely fixed and maintains its magnetic characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

when the molding is carried out in the cavity, the molding pressure of the molten synthetic resin material injected in the cavity is applied to an inner circumferential face of the tubular magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolding pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a tubular magnet, provided by sintering ferrite powder into a tubular shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP1813925B1Torque Detection Device
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 JTEKT CORP
  • EP1813925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1813925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1813925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inventive torque detection device includes: a magnetic circuit forming member having a tubular magnet provided at a first rotating body, and a magnetic ring that is located circumferentially of the tubular magnet and rotated together with a second rotating body connected to the first rotating body; a magnetic flux collecting ring part for collecting a generated magnetic flux; a detection part for detecting, based on a density of the collected magnetic flux, a torque applied to the first or second rotating body; and a molded body that is molded at an outer circumferential portion of the first rotating body, and is joined to longitudinal both sides of the tubular magnet so as to fix the tubular magnet to the first rotating body. A molding pressure, generated when the tubular magnet is molded, is applied in the longitudinal direction of the tubular magnet.