Torque Detector Flexible Beam Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torque detectors have complex structures due to spline arrangements, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A torque detector with a torque beam unit featuring flexible beams connecting the input and output bodies, allowing relative rotation and converting it into an electric signal, simplifying the structure and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spline arrangement is used to convert angular displacement into linear movement, then the torque detection function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of torque detection from the complex spline arrangement and implements it through a simplified torque beam unit. The torque beam unit isolates the core mechanism (flexible beams converting rotation to deformation) from the unnecessary spline components, achieving the same detection function with much simpler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spline arrangement with a flexible beam-based mechanical system. Instead of using teeth and splines to convert motion, the invention uses the elastic deformation of flexible beams under torsional load to achieve the same conversion function, resulting in a simpler and more cost-effective design.
2Reliability
If a spline arrangement is used to convert angular displacement into linear movement, then the torque detection function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive spline components (internally and externally splined portions) from the design and replaces them with simple flexible beams that can be easily manufactured. This extraction of essential function from complex components directly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive flexible beams as the core functional elements. These beams can be made from standard materials and are much cheaper to manufacture than precision-splined shafts and sleeves, significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the torque detector.
3Device complexity
If flexible beams are used to allow relative rotation, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to handle torque must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the torque beam unit by using flexible beams with specific material properties and geometric dimensions. By adjusting the flexibility, length, and cross-section of the beams, the design achieves both structural simplicity and sufficient torque handling capability through optimized physical parameters rather than complex mechanisms.
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 torque detector achieves a simpler and less expensive design while effectively detecting torque by deforming flexible beams, directly proportional to angular displacement, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible first beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the output body
Data Source
AI summary
A torque detector includes an output body, an input body adapted to permit a torque to be applied thereto, a torque beam unit, and a detecting unit disposed between the input and output bodies for converting a relative rotation of the input and output bodies into an electric signal. The torque beam unit includes a shaft, at least one flexible first beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the output body, and at least one second flexible beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft in a direction different from that of the first beam and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the input body.