Torque Detection in Rotary Devices via Static Rotor Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary apparatuses, particularly those in coordinate measuring machines, face challenges in accurately determining torque and force across their axis of rotation, leading to potential damage from overloading and resulting in unreliable measurement results due to tilting moments and movement errors.

Innovation Solution

A method to ascertain torque and force by evaluating the deflection and position error of the rotor using a relationship between these parameters, allowing for determination without rotational movement, thereby preventing damage to sensitive bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the rotor is rotated to determine torque and force, then measurement capability is improved, but the risk of bearing damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque and force measurementVSAvoidbearing overload damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the rotor to measure torque and force, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the rotor stationary and measuring deflection and position error caused by the torque and force. This inversion eliminates the harmful rotational movement while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces deflection and position error as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine torque and force. By measuring these intermediary effects on the stationary rotor, the system avoids direct rotational loading on the bearing while still obtaining the required torque and force information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If rotational movement is used to assess torque, then measurement accuracy improves, but reliability of the bearing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque assessment accuracyVSAvoidbearing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional measurement approach by eliminating rotational movement and instead measuring the deflection and position error that occur when torque and force are applied to a stationary rotor. This maintains measurement accuracy while preserving bearing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation-based measurement system with a static measurement system that uses deflection and position error detection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress and wear caused by repeated rotational movement while maintaining the ability to accurately assess torque.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If air-borne rotary shafts are used for high precision, then manufacturing precision improves, but susceptibility to tilting moments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotary shaft accuracyVSAvoidtilting moment sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring deflection and position error before actual operational loading occurs. By establishing baseline measurements and monitoring changes in these parameters, the system can detect developing tilting moments and prevent damage before it occurs, protecting the highly precise air-borne rotary shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring deflection and position error to detect tilting moments. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time detection of abnormal loading conditions, enabling preventive measures to be taken that protect the sensitive air bearing from damage while maintaining high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10502564B2Method for determining a torque acting on a rotational device or a force acting on a rotational device

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIKE GMBH

AI summary

A method for determining a force acting on a rotational device transverse to an axis of rotation of a rotor of the rotational device. The rotational device has a measuring system comprising a measurement body and detection devices for detecting a relative position of the detection device and the measurement body. The method comprises the following steps: producing a force which acts on the rotational device transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotor in a set rotational position, wherein the force causes a deflection of the rotor; determining the deflection of the rotor and/or a position error of the rotor in the set rotational position of the rotor from the relative position of the detection devices and the measurement body; and determining the force in the set rotational position of the rotor using a predetermined relationship between the force and the deflection and/or position error.