Torque Determination Using Three-Sensor Phase Angle Sign Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the sign of the phase angle when measuring torque applied to a rotating shaft, leading to erroneous torque measurements and inefficiencies in vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a first and second wheel coupled to the shaft with sensors to detect rotation and determine the phase angle's magnitude and sign, allowing for precise torque calculation based on the voltage differences between sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two sensors are used to measure phase shift between tone wheels, then torque measurement capability is achieved, but the sign of the phase angle cannot be determined without complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into three separate sensors instead of using a single complex measurement approach. Each sensor provides a voltage signal that can be independently processed, allowing the phase angle sign to be determined through simpler comparative analysis of three voltage values rather than complex signal processing of fewer sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-sensor measurement approach to a three-sensor approach, adding an additional measurement dimension. This extra sensor provides the necessary information to determine the sign of the phase angle through voltage comparison, effectively adding a dimension to the measurement space that resolves the ambiguity in phase angle sign.
2Measurement precision
If complex processing is used to determine the sign of the phase angle, then accurate torque measurement can be achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex signal processing operations with simpler algebraic comparisons of voltage values. Instead of using complex mathematical transformations or advanced signal analysis techniques, the invention uses direct comparison of three voltage signals to determine the phase angle sign, substituting complex processing with simpler computational logic.
3Device complexity
If only two sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but erroneous torque measurement occurs due to inability to determine phase angle sign
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across three sensors rather than concentrated in two sensors. This segmentation allows each sensor to provide partial information that, when combined through simple voltage comparison, yields complete and reliable torque measurement data including the phase angle sign.
Solution Approach 2:
The third voltage signal acts as an intermediary that resolves the ambiguity in phase angle sign determination. By introducing this intermediate measurement, the system can reliably determine whether the phase angle is positive or negative without requiring complex processing of the original two-sensor signals.
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 enhances torque measurement accuracy by determining both the magnitude and sign of the phase angle, improving the operational efficiency of work vehicles by ensuring accurate torque assessment.
Implementation Method 1
Some known systems use tone wheels to measure torque based on a measured amount of twist in the rotating shaft, where the rotational orientation of each tone wheel is detected by a sensor (e.g., an electromagnetic pick-up), each of which provides a voltage output signal.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method determines the torque applied to a rotating shaft by a load. A first sensor detects rotation of a first wheel and a second sensor detects rotation of a second wheel. A third sensor is proximate to the first sensor. A processor determines: 1) a magnitude of a phase angle (φA) based on the first and second sensors and having an unknown sign; 2) a magnitude of a phase angle (φB) based on the second and third sensors and having an unknown sign; and 3) a magnitude of a phase angle (φC) based on the first and third sensors and having a known sign. The processor determines a sign of the phase angle (φA) based on the values of the phase angles (φB) and (φC) and determines a torque value from the load applied to the shaft at least in part based on the magnitude and sign of the phase angle (φA).